Tag Archives: kids

MY BFF – An expert in head massage , can give one even whilst she looks away !

Today I am going to write about a very special person in my life and tell you what makes her special or for that matter what makes anyone special to me.

It’s not good looks ( though she is very good looking ); after all dogs can only like dog looking people which people don’t like. In fact, they don’t think it’s nice to look like a dog and when they want to insult someone they say, “ She looks like a dog. “! Shouldn’t that be a compliment? Go figure.

Anyways coming back to this human , she is good looking and smart and well turned out, though what do we care about what you wear. After all we only wear our fur coat proudly and look like what Mother Nature intended us to look like.

But, I guess humans have their own peccadilloes ( which means a small infraction , ooops , another big word to explain a big word ; looks like Professor Ollie is with me in spirit ! ) . Anyways, it means to do something which others may consider an offense but it’s not something one should make a big song and dance about . Ah ! but I digress ( which means I am going away from the subject )

So she is very fancy shmancy and what not. People tell me she is educated but then what do we dogs care about whether you went to Harvard, Yale or Princeton. In fact, we don’t even care if you went to dog school to learn obedience and how to do your personal business out of the home. These things are not important to us. But they are important to humans then so be it.

So what makes this human special to me . For that matter what makes any human special to us dogs . Well, here comes the big SECRET of what quality makes us tick ! No, not those pesky creatures that cling to us and drive us insane . But what makes us dogs go ape with happiness . Oops 🙊, another critter reference ! All right what makes us 😀!

Yes, what dogs want is PURE LOVE . Love us and we are yours forever. And that’s what makes this human special to me. Her pure, unadulterated, unconditional love for me and for all other animals as well ; unfortunately, even cats. Though I do the draw line here. How can she like cats ? Oh well, there is no accounting for tastes. But there you are.

The secret is out . What makes a human special to dogs . That they love us. Then we don’t care if they wrap their arms around us, squeeze us, kiss us , cuddle us ( see pics ) we will bear with it and even grin as we bear it ( see pic ) because we know it’s coming out of love. Moreover, we can’t expect humans to love the doggy way by sniffing the unmentionable, licking or nipping ( gently ! ) Humans will be humans so it’s all good .

So here’s to the most special person in my life , POORVI SHUKLA . Thank you for all the cuddling , massages, hugs and more.

Happy Birthday .

XOXO BELLA

p.s BOW WOW ( which means I BOW to the WOW in you )

p.p.s. Ambika, don’t get angry because on your birthday you will become the MOST special too. Ditto Aryan and Anu ( my human mom )

Like this:

EXT.- IN THE SKY ABOVE A JUNGLE – DAY-EARLY MORNING
As we float gently in the sky the silence is broken by the sound of a cuckoo bird.
CUCKOO (O.S.)
Koo hooo
The sound gains in momentum as we slowly pick up speed like a bird descending .
CUCKOO (O.S.) (CONT’D) Koo hoo koo hoo koo hoo

We hover over the canopy of a forest briefly and as we float we move in tandem with the sound which has transformed into a melodious classical song . We follow the sound and reach an anorexic, black cuckoo bird, eyes closed, singing with all the fervor of a prima donna. As she closes her song we hear the sound of clapping. She opens one of her eyes and looks at a fat canary,Stella,clapping fervently.

STELLA

Bravo! Bravo! Cuckoo, bravo! You sing like an angel !

She clasps wings to her breast and continues as Cuckoo opens the other eye and looks at her.

STELLA (CONT’D)

Ah! Such talent, wasted in the jungle, such beauty, wasted in the jungle, so much …..
A sardonic voice interrupts her.

MR. JACK DAWSON
Sucking up..
It is a black jackdaw,Mr. Jack Dawson, looking sarcastically at her. Then a breathless voice

(O.S.),
MAGPIE (V.O.)

Wasted in the jungle.

It is a brown magpie sitting next to him. The canary glares at them even as Cuckoo preens into a mirror placed in her nest.

CUCKOO

She’s right you know. I am made for bigger things. I am a star. A diamond.
Stella continues for her,

STELLA

Yes, Cuckoo, and your place is in a big palace not in this ugly, untidy nest.

MAGPIE

A little bit of cleaning never hurt anybody. Scrub a dub rub, that is my motto.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Perhaps, yellow Stella here may consider doing that.

He hums, under his breath,

MR. JACK DAWSON (CONT’D)

Yellow, yellow dirty fellow.

Stella glares at him. She looks at Cuckoo who flounces around.

CUCKOO

Oh, be quiet, you brainless bird. Don’t tease the poor thing. She speaks the truth. I can’t be bothered to cook and clean, that is for ordinary folks like Magpie here.

Magpie looks annoyed as Cuckoo strikes a pose in front of the mirror again

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

I am going to be a star. And nothing will stand in the way of my becoming one.

She twirls around and sashays forward and trips and almost falls over an object laying in her path.

MR. JACK DAWSON
Oops!

Cuckoo looks down. A small,speckled egg lies in her way.
She looks at the egg horror struck. She screeches.

CUCKOO

God in Heaven!

All the birds close their ears, pained. Cuckoo stutters

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

What is this?

MAGPIE

I may not be very smart like you Cuckoo but it looks like an egg to me.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Congratulations are in order. Cuckoo you are about to have a baby.

Stella, clapping her wings.

STELLA

A baby ! How wonderful ! How splendid! This is so- so- so exciting Cuckoo!

CUCKOO

Oh be quiet, you bird brain. A baby is not part of my plan. Babies are a bother- feeds and diapers, play schools and lunch boxes. No way Jose, I am not going to put up with all that !

MR. JACK DAWSON

Pardon, my ignorance but now that the baby is here how do you intend to avoid that?

Cuckoo looks at the egg and her eyes narrow as she thinks.
All the birds look at her curiously.

STELLA

Yes, CUCKOO,What are you going to do ?

MR. JACK DAWSON

Yellow, sorry, Stella here is curious,tell her Cuckoo.

Stella glares at him. Then looks at Cuckoo.
Cuckoo rolls the egg back and forth with her feet as she looks at it malevolently. Then a wily expression comes on her face and she smiles. A wicked smile.

CUCKOO

Ah ! I have an idea. Yes. That Is the only way.

MAGPIE

What? What way ? Do, tell us ?

CUCKOO (softly)

I can’t do that. It is a secret, a surprise.

MR. JACK DAWSON

(under his breath to Magpie) Probably a shock . I hope Cuckoo’s idea is not too much of a shock for the poor baby.

Cuckoo comes out of her reverie and claps her wings peremptorily.

CUCKOO

Enough ! Off with you. Shoo! Shoo ! All of you. I have plans to make. A lot of preparations.

The birds take off and flutter mid air.

MAGPIE
How rude !

MR. JACK DAWSON

Manners was never Cuckoo’s strong point. Maybe the baby IS better off without her.

STELLA

Cuckoo, look what Mr. Jack Dawson is saying about you.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Yellow, yellow dirty fellow AND a sneak.

STELLA glares at him

STELLA

At least I am not a thief like you Mr. Jack Dawson. So there.

She pokes her tongue at the jackdaw.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Thieving is a natural trait of jackdaws and who can fight nature. (under his breath to Magpie) Oh, how I wish I could kick this habit.

MAGPIE (whispering to the jackdaw)

Don’t worry Mr. Jack Dawson. We all know you can’t help yourself.
(MORE)
Something will come up, you mark my words. Magpies are never wrong.

Magpie looks at Stella fiercely and screeches.

MAGPIE (CONT’D)

You horrible, horrible bird to insult such a respectable gentleman. I am going to teach you a lesson.

She flies towards Stella who cowers in fear and screams

STELLA

Help, help me Cuckoo. Magpie is going to..

Cuckoo flies out of her nest in a rage.

CUCKOO

Stop that infernal racket at once. Be off with you, you useless birds. You are behaving like humans.

Jackdaw bows low to Cuckoo.

MR. JACK DAWSON

With pleasure. We will leave you and the yellow canary to yourselves. Come, let us be off my friend, Magpie.

The jackdaw and the magpie fly off. Stella looks at Cuckoo and hops towards her.

STELLA

Oh, Thank you Cuckoo. You are so wonderfully brave.

Cuckoo gives a sigh of exasperation.

CUCKOO

Turn around Stella.

Stellas eyes turn round with surprise.

STELLA

But, but , but

CUCKOO

I said turn around.
Stella turns around slowly still speaking.
STELLA

But , but , but , but

CUCKOO
Exactly !

She gives Stella a kick on her butt who goes flying in the air with a whistling sound and her buts fading away in the distance.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

A big kick on the Butt, that is what was needed.

She turns around and marches into her nest muttering.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

I have enough problems of my own.

She looks at the egg and purses her lips.

CUCKOO(CONT’D)

You have to go baby. Mommy wants to be star.

The egg just sits there as a ray of sunshine falls on it and it twinkles.

EXT.- SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE SAME JUNGLE – DAY

A dishevelled mother crow, Marjorie (Marge) Hatchery sits patiently in her nest. She has a polka dotted red scarf on her head and is fanning herself. A peacock, Peek-a-boo, walks by, his feet thumping in a pair of huge boots.

Ollie blinks twice through his round spectacles as he says each double alphabet.

BANANA-DRAMA

Whoa, stop right there Professor Dozy etc.,etc. We got the picture. But I have just two questions for you Professor Emeritus, with your permission. One, do you see double through those spectacles and is that why everything is double for you? And Question Number two. Why have you left out the other Alphabets from the English Language ? There are just four left.

Ollie looks more annoyed.

OLLIE

Banana Drama

One thing is for sure, you are double trouble. And I don’t need any advice from remix artistes. They are just a bunch of copy cats.
Banana – Drama looks annoyed and jumps up and down on the branch.

BANANA-DRAMA

Hey, hey, watch who you are calling a copy cat. You need to change your spectacles, man. You are talking to the coolest monkey in town.

He starts dancing as he snaps and clicks his finger and thumb.

MARGE gives an exasperated sigh and fans herself more furiously.

MARGE

Do you mind? Will you be quiet ? All this is giving me a headache.

A deer with huge eyelashes trips in daintily. She is FLOW- JO, the fashion conscious deer.

FLOW-JO

Quit it, you guys. Can’t you see Margie needs rest and quiet. She is about to become a Mommy, God help her.

She looks towards MARGIE.
FLOW-JO (CONT’D)

I found the perfect place for baby clothes. Want to go shopping, Margie?

Margie thinks.

MARGE

Well, I do have to buy some clothes for the little one’s. But I can’t leave the eggs for a moment. They are nice and warm and just about to hatch.
BANANA-DRAMA

Why don’t you ask Professor Martin Dozy Fat And Furry – Ball here to sit on them while you ladies go shopping. He can doze off if he wants to.

Ollie eyes become larger and rounder at the thought and he opens his beak to protest.

Well, then, that is settled. Thank you Professor Dozy. You will be real cosy in here. Come on, Margie, lets go. There is a big sale on at Beak-Mart. I need new training shoes. So hop to it.

Ollie’s expression is a sight as he waddles towards Margie’s nest . All the others are trying to stifle their laughter. Ollie takes Margie’s place as she hops out with her large, shabby purse.

MARGE

Thank you , Professor Martin Do Dah ….

She struggles with the rest of his name as the rest are trying to control their laughter in various ways. FLOW- JO is hiding behind a tree, Peek-a-Boo has turned his back and is shaking with laughter. Banana -Drama is standing with his hands on his hips . He has an amused expression and is about to say something when Marge gives him a warning look.

Yes, Yes . The same. Please make yourself comfortable. I will be back in two shakes of a duck’s tail.

A parrot (Peter) and a turtle( Mimi-Tang) walk into the scene. PETER talks very fast and in contrast Mimi-Tang weighs each word as he speaks. His speech is as slow as his walk and he has a slightly effeminate voice. They both look at OLLIE seated in the nest.

Ollie is looking exasperated and puffs up and Marge looking at his expression hastily tries to sooth his ruffled feathers.

MARGE

Stop right there both of you. No smarty- pant stuff from you Peter, and Mimi-Tang, if you don’t want to be on the slow boat back to China you better keep your comments to your self. The Professor here is being neighborly which is more than I can say for you folks. So be off, all of you and leave the good Professor alone.

She looks towards OLLIE and sweetens her voice.

MARGE (CONT’D)

Don’t mind them Professor Martin. They are just jealous because they are not as smart as you are. You just make your self comfortable. Its hot today, have a cold drink, relax. The sun is a little strong today. Why don’t you take my scarf?

She whips off her polka dotted scarf and,before the Professor can say anything, puts it on his head and ties it under his chin in a trice. This too much for the other animals who cannot control their laughter and run away from the scene, shaking and tottering with laughter. Only Peter and Mimi-Tang remain since they have not understood anything. Banana-Drama stays back to say one word.

BANANA-DRAMA
“ Sweet.”

But, at Marge’s glare he too swings off, snapping and clicking his fingers. Peter opens his mouth to say something but Marge silences him with a admonishing finger. Mimi-Tang too opens his mouth but closes it as she glares at him. They both leave, still looking puzzled.

MARGE

I am off Professor MARTIN DO-DO-DO

OLLIE

PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS….

MARGE

Yes, yes. I’ll be back soon. Take care Professor.

She flies off, followed by Flow- Jo who smiles at Ollie

FLOW-JO

Bye-Bye sweetie pie ! I will get back a nice gift for you for being so nice.

Ollie just glares at her .As the two exit they pass by Cuckoo and Stella hiding behind a tree. Cuckoo has a basket with the egg nestling in it.

STELLA (Whispering)

What do we do now Cuckoo ? That fur ball is sitting in the nest.
CUCKOO

Shush, not so loud. He is an owl, they like to sleep during the day. He will doze off any time now.

They both look at Ollie who is already looking sleepy. He gives a big yawn and starts nodding off. Cuckoo looks significantly at Stella who smiles gleefully. Ollie gives a gentle snore. Cuckoo stealthily looks around, then creeps forward with Stella following at a safe distance. A twig cracks and Stella hastily flies back and hides behind a tree. Cuckoo gives her a look and moves forward. She quietly places the egg in the nest just below Ollie who is twitching, snoring and making whistling sounds in his sleep. Cuckoo, then quietly backs off, almost bumping into Stella who gasps and gives a little scream. Cuckoo puts her wings over Stella’s mouth and drags her behind a tree even as Ollie wakes up with a start, looks around, clears his throat and goes back to sleep again.

INT- A HUGE PALACE BELONGING TO KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, -FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT,-SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN – DAY

King Tweety – Fruity is the falcon King who is inordinately found of sweet things. He also likes to have a good time.
The business of governing is left to his able prime minister, Mr. Cranium, an elegant crane, who stands on one leg and keeps shifting his position on different matters according to the exigencies of the situation. At the moment he is watching the King gorging on sweets with a dyspeptic eye.

KING TWEETY – FRUITY

These dough-nuts are divine and the chocolate cake is fine and I can’t keep my hands off the pie and praline.

Mr. Cranium gives a big sigh.

MR. CRANIUM

That is very well but we have a delegation from…..

KING TWEETY – FRUITY

(Grabbing a bowl of ice cream and slurping huge spoonfuls)

Boo to the delegation. Give them some of this wonderful ice cream and they will listen to whatever we have to say.

MR. CRANIUM

It’s not as easy as you think. The problems of the world cannot be solved with ice cream.

KING TWEETY – FRUITY

I agree. Maybe, not only with ice cream. You have to give them chocolate cake and doughnuts and , maybe, some lollipops. An all day sucker will keep them busy.

His tummy aches. No more goodies for him, baked or otherwise. It’s going to be soup, dry bread and water. Lots and lots of water.

INT- CUCKOO NEST – NIGHT
Cuckoo watching TV, her feet propped up on the table as she sips water from a glass. Stella sits near her eating buttered pop corn, her beak greasy with butter.

CUCKOO

(Looking at her and raising her eyebrows)

If you eat so much butter you are going to look more of a butter ball than you already do, Stella. Go and get me an asparagus stick.

STELLA

(Hopefully)

With a dip?

CUCKOO

No dip, only stick, you dip-stick.

Stella makes a round with her beak in a moue and hops to it. She Goes to the fridge and takes out an asparagus and waddles back to Cuckoo.

STELLA

(Handing Cuckoo the stick)

I really don’t know Cuckoo how you can live on this stuff. It’s healthy and all I know but it is so little.

CUCKOO

Got to watch my figure,Butter-ball.

STELLA

Well,I never fancied looking like a stick, you know. Pleasantly plump,that’s what I am and….

Cuckoo’s attention is diverted by an announcement on the TV

CUCKOO

Be quiet, Fatty. Let me listen.

Stella makes another moue with her beak.
On the television a giraffe’s head can be seen lying horizontally across the screen. Next to him is a giant panda barely squeezing into the frame

PANDA

Here is an important announcement from the Land Of Birds ruled by the all wise, all powerful, all greed, sorry, all feed, sorry, all,

(He shakes his head )

(MORE)
Whatever, KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT- TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL- AMEN, affectionately known by his subjects as King Tweety – Fruity. His majesty announces a World- Wide Singing contest – a Song-Festival- open to every bird and beast that roam the earth.

This is what happens when you get a job if your father is an important person and not because you are fit for it. In fact, you don’t even fit where you are supposed to fit, like this TV screen for instance.

GIRAFFE

Well, maybe I can’t fit in vertically but you can’t fit in horizontally. Just because you like to party with important people and get this job does not mean you can boss me around.

The panda tries to push the giraffe out of the screen who is trying to butt him out. CUCKOO switches off the TV in disgust with her remote.

CUCKOO

Politics ! It’s everywhere.
She looks at Stella who is looking in the fridge, only her butt visible as she forages for food.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

(Under her breath )

I am going to double lock the fridge.

CUCKOO

(CONT’D) (To STELLA)

Stella get your butt out of the fridge and come here. I need you to go and get me some stamps , paper and envelopes. I hope that pigeon mail is not on a strike as usual.

Stella comes back, her mouth stuffed with noodles, some of which are dangling out of her mouth.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Gross. Go to the post office right away and get me some envelopes. I am going to be a star, finally.

STELLA

(Trying to speak with her mouth full)

CUCKOO

( steadily becoming more irritated )

What is it ? Speak up ? Out with it ?

Stella makes a brave attempt to speak that the noodles fly out and are dangling all over Cuckoo’s head and face. Through the veil of noodles Cuckoo’s eyes glare out balefully. Stella looks at her and her beak opens and shuts.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Screams and lunges at Stella who screeches and flies out of the window. Cuckoo’s voice follows her.

Don’t come back without the envelopes or I will put you on a diet of lettuce leaves and bird seed.

Stella shudders when she hears this, her tiny wings flap harder and she whizzes like a yellow meteor against the blue sky.

EXT.- MARGE’S NEST – DAY
Marge is sitting in her nest , knitting. She is wearing a bonnet and has on her spectacles.

MARGE

One knit, two purl, two knit, two purl,
There is only a short skein of wool left.

MARGE (CONT’D)

Oh , no. Just a few lines to go and my fourth sweater would have been complete.

Absolutely and all that. I need a little favor Professor. I am knitting these sweaters for the wee ones and I have run out of wool. Do you mind sitting on the eggs till I make a dash and get some from Flow -Jo. I know she has the same color.

Ollie looks around to see if there are any other animals around. Then he waddles towards Marge.

OLLIE (Gallantly)

With pleasure dear lady. But make haste.

MARGE

As the crow flies, I will be back in a jiffy. I am not keeping you from anything important ,am I.

OLLIE

I am expecting a visitor from France. A very important person, Monsieur Bull- Brass.

MARGE

Really, and why is this important person so very important ?

OLLIE

He is an artiste, a musician. His voice is so magnificent that he has to live in a special sound proof house.

MARGE

Oh that is wonderful! I love music and always wanted to be a singer. Oh, but I must fly.

Ollie settles into the nest as Marge hurries off.

MARGE (CONT’D)

(Over her shoulder as she flies off)

I want to meet your friend too. Maybe he can tutor my children while he is here.

OLLIE (Shaking his head)

Her children are not here and she is already making plans for them. Just like a mother.

He settles down comfortably and begins to doze off. We show the inside of an egg. A beak is knocking against the shell.

O.S. Voice of a baby crow –

Hey, Open up. It’s dark in here. And I am hungry too.

Then another voice( O.S.) – Mom, Mom. Are you there ?

Then a third voice -Is this a joke or what ?

Fourth Voice – The joke’s on us, clown. Push hard.

Sharp rat-a -tat sound

A beak emerges from under Ollie and pecks at him hard and he takes off like a rocket.

OLLIE (CONT’D)

(Rubbing his butt)

Ouch, that hurt.
He perches at the edge of the nest and looks at the four crows who look at him curiously. Then one of the crows says

CROW

Mama ?

Sound of laughter. OLLIE’S Neck swivels around to see Banana-Drama.

BANANA-DRAMA

Hey Professor Dozy Do Dumb Ball. Those four critters think you are their Mama.
Peek-a-Boo clumps in.

Stop this racket , I say. I am not your mother, children. Where is Margie ?
The crow kids make such a racket that all the animals collect.
PETER

Hey, where is Marge ? Why is the Professor Do That And The Other always in her nest?
MIMI -TANG Maybe they are planning to get married. How romantic.

Ollie fluffs up in disgust.

OLLIE

Stuff and nonsense. I was baby-sitting, I mean egg-sitting, when

FLOW-JO

How eggs-citing for you Professor Doing Do Fuzzy Wool !

OLLIE

Precisely, that is what Marge has gone to get…

He suddenly notices that Flow-Jo, is here.

OLLIE (CONT’D)

Hey , She went to you to get wool. What are you doing here? And where is Marge ?

All the animals look at each other. The silence is suddenly broken by a deep, loud croak. We see MARGE arriving with a large bull-frog, Monsieur Bull-Brass.

MARGE (Gushing)

Oh Professor Do Doing Woozy Fool

OLLIE

(Exasperated and still trying to hold on to the shreds of his dignity.)

PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FUZZBALL CRITTER. Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus. What took you so long ? Your children are hungry and thirsty and they want their Mama.
Marge notices the crows and shrieks in delight.

MARGE
My babies !
She clasps them to her bosom. The babies caw in delight.

MARGE (CONT’D)

Oh ! This is a wonderful Day. Today my babies came into this world and on this blessed day Monsieur Bull Brass has come into our lives.

Monsieur Bull Brass puffs up with pleasure.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

(Speaks in a French accent )

You are too kind, Madame Marjorie Hatchery. I am but a humble musician.

MARGE

Oh , no, no. You are divine messenger from God. All my life I have craved to be a singer but it is was not to be. But now that you are here my children can follow my dreams and become artistes like you.

All the animals look at each other. Banana-Drama raises his eye brows to Peek-a-Boo as if to say this doesn’t bode too well.

MARGE (CONT’D)

Oh ! Do say you will teach my little ones to sing. Please Monsieur Bull-Brass. I want them to be as famous as you.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

(Bowing low as much as his girth will permit him)

It will be an honour to teach your off- springs Madame.

Marge clasps her wings and looks heavenwards.

MARGE

Oh happy, happy Day. Thank you Lord.

She pulls the four crows towards her on both sides with her wings and says solemnly

MARGE (CONT’D)

Today, in honour of Monsieur Bull Brass and his Music I name my four children, (Touching each one of them) DO-RAY, ME-FAR, SO-LA and TI-DO, after the seven notes of music.

All the animals clap enthusiastically when they all hear a crack and fall silent looking at each other. Marge peers into her nest and looks astonished as she beholds a egg split in the middle and a tiny ,black bird looking at her and blinking with enormous eyes.

TINY BIRD
Mama ?
PEEK-A-BOO

Shiver me feathers ! I thought you were going to have four children

OLLIE

(Interjecting)

Quadruplets !

PEEK-A-BOO

Yes, yes. The same. Where did the fifth one come from ?

BANANA-DRAMA

Hey ! Professor Do Dah Dit Dumb Fool, did you , but you are a

OLLIE

Yes, it is not possible as I am a man

MIMI -TANG

I thought he was an owl.

PETER

A man-owl or a owl-man.

MIMI -TANG

I see, like I am a man -turtle or a turtle-man.

PETER

I am not sure about that. But if you say so you are.

Since Marge is looking stunned at the sudden turn of events Flow-Jo walks up to her and hugs her.

FLOW-JO

Margie, this is like a bonus. You know five for the price of four. Beak-Mart is having a sale this week end and they have advertised so.

Marge who has been paralysed with shock so far comes to with a start.

MARGE

Yes, yes , of course. Welcome my child.

BANANA-DRAMA

What are you going to call her Marge since you have used all the notes of music once and one twice.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (Clears his throat.)

If I may make a suggestion ?

MARGE (Gushing)

Yes, of course Monsieur Bull Brass. It is your prerogative. After all, they are all going to be your students.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (Bowing low )

You are too kind Madame. I name the little one , Melody.

All the animals clap.
Melody looks at everyone and says
MELODY
CUCKOO.
All the animals look at each other. Marge looks surprised.

ESTABLISHING SHOT
EXT – LAND OF BIRDS – DAY

There are posters of the forthcoming Song-Festival, many featuring King Tweety -Fruity.
We see rich birds in fancy attire whizzing around in their fancy cars. Their homes are shaped like golden cages.
We linger on a large poster featuring CUCKOO clad in a gown with a boa around her shoulders and pearls at her throat.

The poster reads
CUCKOO-COOL
OUR BELOVED COURT SINGER CHALLENGES
THE PARTICIPANTS TO A FINAL ROUND.
THE WINNER WILL TAKE HER PLACE AS THE COURT SINGER.
We zip through the streets of the LAND OF BIRDS lingering over Clubs that say – ADMITTANCE – STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS and other interesting monuments with signs like FREE- BIRDS, FEATHER-REPORT, EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT, HOT CHICKS, FLY TO THE SKY AIRMAIL, TWEET MALL, ON A WING AND A PRAYER ( outside a place of worship ) etc.

As we cruise we see birds of various kinds doing pretty much the same things as humans do till we finally reach the large palace gardens of King Tweety – Fruity. We cruise through the place grounds and passages till we reach the Main Hall where King Tweety – Fruity is ensconced on a cushioned throne being fanned by two pink flamingoes, his prime minister Mr. Cranium by his side and Cuckoo-Cool performing on a stage.

CUCKOO
SONG

I AM A CREATURE DIVINE
WHO LOVES THE GOOD TIMES
TRAVEL TO FAR AWAY LANDS
IN FOUL WEATHER AND FINE
IN MANY SEASONS AND CLIMES
JUST GIVE ME A GOOD TIME
ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY,
AND I WILL BE FINE
WE WILL DRINK FINE WINE
AND WE WILL LIE SUPINE
CHOCOLATES AND SWEETS
WILL BE OURS TO DINE
( here King Tweety – Fruity perks up )
SO GIVE ME A GOOD TIME
A GOOD TIME
A VERY GOOD TIME.

She stretches the last part of the song to a crescendo but her throat can’t take it and she starts coughing.
The courtiers look at each other. Stella claps her wing to her mouth distressed. Mr. Cranium raises his eyebrows.

KING TWEETY – FRUITY (popping a sweet in is mouth)

What is the meaning of this ? What is wrong with your voice?

(MORE)

Is that how you are going to compete with the challengers. As a court singer you have a responsibility which you have forgotten.

Cuckoo looks crushed.

MR. CRANIUM

You haven’t actually been drinking the fine wine you are singing about, have you. You know it is forbidden in our kingdom.

KING TWEETY – FRUITY

I am sure it is ice cream she has been indulging in. Greedy bird.

He says this even as he pops in another sweetie in his mouth.

MR. CRANIUM (conciliatory)

Well, sire, if she does that she is in a very big problem. No more court singer means No more mansions, no more big cars, no more nice clothes, no more fancy furs and no more tasty treats.

Here STELLA sticks out her tongue, distressed.

CUCKOO-COOL (abashed)

Forgive me, Sire. This will not happen again.

MR. CRANIUM

It better not. His highness patience is running thin.

Stella is slyly foraging in a bowl lying behind and he catches her at it and slaps her wing with his cane.
Then he hooks his crane around Stella’s neck and pitches her so she goes flying off.

AL CRANIUM

And take this greedy bird with you. She is a disgrace to birds.
Cuckoo-Cool sashays off with as much dignity as she can muster.

EXT. – IN THE JUNGLE – DAY
Monsieur Bull-Brass is hopping along singing a dreadful tune when he is waylaid by Banana-Drama.

BANANA-DRAMA

Ah, if it is not the great maestro himself.

Monsieur Bull-Brass hops to one side but Banana -Drama shifts too. They do this a couple of times.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Be off you pesky monkey. I am not going to be diverted by you. The last time you sent me on a wild goose chase to the swamps for tasty mosquitoes. Every day is not a Sunday.

Banana-Drama looks to the other animals hiding behind various bushes and trees making wild gestures to prevent Monsieur Bull-Brass from going any further.

BANANA-DRAMA

Ah but today is Friday and there are week- end specially on Fridays. Mac Birdies has the tastiest fried worms and stuff.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Non ! No ! I don’t eat worms or anything crawling on the ground. That is so unhygienic. Only flying delights for me.

He eyes a fly hovering in the air.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)

Bon appetite!

He flicks his tongue and catches the fly and smacks his lips.

BANANA-DRAMA

Gross. I mean what a tasty bite.

He looks at the animals signalling to him. They even hold up a banner which says STOP THE FROG FROM SINGING.
Monsieur Bull-Brass cleverly side-steps Banana-Drama and hops on. All the animals rush to Banana-Drama.

PEEK-A-BOO

I should have known a simple task would be beyond you. That bull frog has ruined the peace and quiet of the jungle.

BANANA-DRAMA

Well,I tried ! But he says he’s determined to make the Caw-Band win the contest in Bird-Land.

PETER

(pointing to Banana-Drama’s walk man covering his ears)

You have these to cover your ears, but what about us ?

All the animals nod their heads vehemently.

BANANA-DRAMA (Pointing to FLOW -JO)

Well she has her trainers to run away (and pointing to Mimi-Tang’s shell) He just hides in his attached house. So what’s the big deal, man.

Suddenly a raucous cacophony fills the air and all the animals rush to see the four offsprings of Marge Hatchery cawing under the tutelage of Monsieur Bull Brass’s booming voice. Marge watches her four children with pride and joy while Melody holds her hand/wing and sucks her thumbs.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

All Together now.
THE FOUR CROWS WE ARE

THE CROWS FOUR WHO ARE TOGETHER EVERMORE,

WE SING ANY SONG AND WE TAKE THE WORLD ALONG

ON A MUSICAL JOURNEY TO NEVER- NEVER LAND.

Monsieur Bull Brass joins in, his voice booming while the animals react. Flow-Jo runs around in circles, Mimi-Tang withdraws into her shell, Peter bangs his head against a tree, Peek-a-Boo parts his feathers and tries to stuff them in his ears,Banana-Drama looks at the reaction of his friends and he hangs up side down from a branch with his tail in front of Monsieur Bull Brass

First of all it is not Mouse- Mouse , you barbaric ape, it is Monsieur. And, second, your tactics are not going to work. The Professor is in a conference and will be back only later this afternoon. So, be off with you and let us continue our practice.

Banana -Drama is at his wit’s end. He looks at the four crows and says,

BANANA-DRAMA

How come they get to sing and not she.

He points to MELODY.
Banana-Drama appealing to MARGE

BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)

It’s really not fair. She is your child too. She needs a fair chance too.

She points to the four crows on the band, each one manning a different instrument.

PETER

Fair’s fair

Moose-Moose. You have to give her chance too.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

It’s Monsieur ! And I have no problem, it is up to her mother to decide.

MARGE (pushing Melody forward) Go on, my dear child.

Melody takes a few hesitant steps forward and stands near Monsieur Bull-Brass.

MARGE (CONT’D) (whispering to Flow-Jo)

She is not very pretty, unlike the other four. Maybe she has this talent which will take her forward in the world.

Flow-Jo bats her eyelashes.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

All right then let us hear you. Can you sing the first seven notes of music. Here let me show you. Do, Ray, Me, Far, So, La, Ti, Do.

Monsieur Bull Brass sings and all the animals react.

MELODY

Do, ray, Me, Far, So, La, Ti, Do.

Melody sings and the animals are entranced but the frog reacts in the opposite way.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Stop ! Stop ! What is this ? Abominable.

Melody stops, stricken. All the animals glare at him.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)

I mean, my dear child, with practise you will learn to sing like us, your brothers and I. But as of now, I can see years and years of practise ahead of you to come to my level. Now sing after me – DO , RAY, ME , FA, SO , LA, TI , DO.

All the animals close their ears.

MELODY

DO, RAY, ME FA, SO, LA, TI DO.

Monsieur Bull-Brass shuts his ear.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Allors! Allez! Stop ! Stop ! This is insupportable. You cannot sing, not in a million years.
Melody starts crying and runs away.

MARGE

Melody, my child, stop. Come back.

PEEK-A-BOO

PEEKABOO

(To MONSIEUR BULL BRASS)

Now, see what you have done. You have hurt the poor child’s feelings. She can sing better than all of you.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

(puffing up in anger) And what do you know about singing ? Your harsh voice can scare the children. Is that why you are called Peek-a-Boo?

Peek-a- Bo looks crestfallen so Banana-Drama jumps into the fray. He jumps in front of Monsieur Bull Brass.

BANANA-DRAMA

That’s my best friend you are being rude to, Mousey

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (correcting him)

MONSIEUR!

BANANA-DRAMA
Whatever !

MARGE (clapping her wings)

Stop it, stop it right now. Banana-Drama. Monsieur Bull Brass is our guest. Is that the way you behave with an honored guest from another country ?

She attempts to soothe the frog who has puffed up so much that he is in the danger of bursting.

MARGE (CONT’D)

Forgive us Monsieur. This is all a big mistake. You are the greatest singer in the world. Don’t worry, Melody will be fine.

She looks at Banana-Drama sternly

MARGE (CONT’D)

Banana-Drama, I think an apology is in order.
BANANA-DRAMA (walking to the frog and looking contrite)
(MORE)
Sorry, Mousse, mousse.. Oh, what the, sorry.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (patronizingly)

It’s all right. I don’t expect remix artistes to know much about music.

Banana-Drama starts to lose his cool. Marge notices this and tries to diffuse the situation.

MARGE

All right , all right. Everyone off to their home. Do-Ray, Me-Far, So-La AND Ti- Do, time for a nice snack and cold drink. I have noodle-worms for you and beetle- juice for Mossy here.

DO-RAY Mom,

Can’t we have a pizza today.

MARGE

Nope, you got to eat healthy. It’s going to be noodle-worms with some grains and grit.

BANANA-DRAMA (walking away with Peek-a- Boo)
Gross!

PEEK-A-BOO

Why? What’s wrong. I like snake nuggets.

BANANA-DRAMA

You are my best friend. But there is a lot I need to learn about you.

Peter walking away with Mimi-Tang

PETER

Thank God, we are vegetarians.

MIMI -TANG (looking at FLOW-JO)

She told me she’s one too. We should party more often. I think , she’s cute.

PETER

Hey,Hey, Hey. Slow down.

(Then corrects himself as he sees him puffing as he tries to catch up with him)

PETER (CONT’D)
Maybe, not. If he goes any slower we would meet ourselves on the way back.

SENOR JULIO

EXT.- SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE SAME JUNGLE – DAY

Melody is running and crying when she bumps into a brown bird. This is Senor Julio, the brown thrush, who is blind. He wears thick, black glass and carries a white tipped cane.

SENOR JULIO

Oh, watch it my friend. You could get hurt if you don’t watch where you are going.

MELODY

Oh! I am sorry. I couldn’t see for the tears. But, what about you ? How come you didn’t see ?

SENOR JULIO

Because, nina, I can’t see. I am blind.

MELODY

Oh ! I’m so sorry.

SENOR JULIO

It’s quite all right, nina, you were not to know. By the way, , why were you crying ?

MELODY

My name is not Nina and I was crying because, because….

She starts weeping.

SENOR JULIO

Please don’t cry….what is your name?

MELODY

It is Melody.

SENOR JULIO

That is a very pretty name, Melody. I was calling you nina because nina means little girl in Spanish. But you are a very, very little girl so I will call you chiquita. (he bows low) Senor Julio at your service. So, tell me, Melody, why were you crying?
(MORE)
And, what are you doing alone in the forest, it is not safe for little girls to wander alone in the forest.

MELODY

Because, Monsieur Bull Brass does not like my voice. He said I can never be a singer.

SENOR JULIO(clicking his tongue)

That is too bad, mi pobre chiquita, I mean, my poor little girl, the little Melody. Let me hear your voice. I may not be as grand as your Mossy Bull Pat, but I have knowledge of music too. So, let us hear you.

Melody sings Twinkle,twinkle little star.

SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)

Santa Maria! You sing like an angel. Charming! But your voice needs training.

MELODY (with tears in her eyes)

But who will teach me ? I am scared of Monsieur Bull Brass. He has a very loud voice. Oh, but I do want to learn.

SENOR JULIO

Teaching is not the problem. But I do not want you to come alone through the forest, little one. Do you have any friend who can bring you here.

MELODY shakes her head dismally and then brightens.

MELODY

I know, I can ask Banana -Drama. He is a very, very sweet monkey and also a musician, just like you so he’s sure to help me.

SENOR JULIO

Very well then. You talk to your friend. I will meet you at the edge of the jungle in the morning and we can begin your classes. You have natural talent, my child. A little training is all you need.

MELODY

What do you say to thank you in Spanish.

SENOR JULIO

Gracias. Muchos gracias. A big Thank you.

MELODY

Muchos gracias, Senor Julio! I will be there.

SENOR JULIO (laughing)

You are good child, Melody. It will be a pleasure to teach you. Come, I will drop you off to the edge of the jungle so you don’t get lost.

Senor Julio uses his white-tipped cane as he flies through the branches with Melody following behind him.

EXT – EDGE OF THE JUNGLE – DAY- VERY EARLY MORNING

BANANA-DRAMA is pacing up and down with MELODY standing near him, sucking her thumb.

BANANA-DRAMA

What have you got me into Melody, my child ? Who is this Senor Julio and why has he agreed to teach you singing?

MELODY (taking out her thumb from her mouth)

I told you he’s a teacher and he’s blind. And he told me to bring a grown-up with me as he doesn’t want me coming alone in the jungle.

BANANA-DRAMA

Yes, yes, yes. That is why I came. He seems like a sensible person. But where is he ?

Suddenly they hear a screech and a bat appears before them. He wears a cape. Banana-Drama screams and jumps up to a branch.

MELODY (calmly) Who are you ?

BAT VAN FRIDAY

(who now has a lugubrious expression)

I have no idea. Some say I am a bird and some say I am a beast.

(MORE)
But, I am not sure if I am either. At present, I am, however, Senor Julio’s batman, his assistant and his carrier. I have come from him to escort you to his home where he awaits Miss Melody and her escort Mr. Banana-Drama.

He looks up to Banana-Drama as he says this. Banana-Drama comes down from the tree sheepishly.

BANANA-DRAMA

You gave me scare, man. Appearing out of nowhere.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

Well, lets be off, my friend, while its still dark. I find it easier to find my way in the dark though I have recently got a Global Positioning System, to help me find my way at any time. Ah, the wonders of technology!

Bat Van Friday takes off with Melody following closely behind and Banana-Drama swinging from branch to branch behind them. They arrive at Senor Julio’s home where he’s waiting for them sitting next to a piano placed near the window. Banana-Drama is quite red in the face and panting.

BANANA-DRAMA

Man, I mean Van, your name is Van, but you are travelling like a rocket. You just took off. (wiping his face with a large hanky) I have to get my breath back.

Senor Julio, Bat Van Friday laugh and Melody giggles.

SENOR JULIO

Well, well, well. You must be Banana- Drama, the famous remix artiste.

Banana-Drama bows.

BANANA-DRAMA

The same. And you must be Senor Julio, the well known singer who had disappeared many years back from public life.

Senor Julio bows

SENOR JULIO

The same. And this is Bat Van Friday, my trusty Man Friday and long distance carrier.

BANANA-DRAMA

I met him, your harrier plane and your fine friend. He seems to be a double in many things, like a double delight. There some sort of confusion here. Is he a bird or a beast, is he a plane or a helper ?

BAT VAN FRIDAY

Yes, I have an identity crisis. I do not know who or what I am.

BANANA-DRAMA You should meet the other double delight, Professor Dozy, Do-Do Fuzz Ball Kind of Confused Critter. Maybe, he can help him. He claims to be very wise.

Bat Van Friday bows low and then looks up and smiles, showing his vampire like teeth.

BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)

Some dental work could help to make you popular too.

Senor Julio taps his cane impatiently on the leg of the piano.

SENOR JULIO

All right, let’s begin the lessons. No time to waste.

BANANA-DRAMA

That’s cool, bro. I mean SENOR JULIO, you go on and teach Melody. I want to see Mr. Dozy-Ball, Fuzzy-Wall’s face when Melody wins the contest.

SENOR JULIO

Contest ? What contest ?

BANANA-DRAMA

The one that the frog, Mousey Bull And Back, is training that CAW-BAND for, if you get my drift.

SENOR JULIO

No, I don’t. But do not worry, by the time Melody is done here she will be a singer to be reckoned with, capable of performing anywhere. (he turns to MELODY) All right child, let us begin.

Senor Julio strikes the keys of the piano and his voice rises clear and pure, followed by Melody’s sweet one. At first he sings and Melody follows. They they sing this hymn together.

SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)

Spirit of God in the clear running water Blowing to greatness the trees on the hill.

Melody repeats.

SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)

Spirit of God in the finger of morning Fill the earth bring it to birth And blow where You will

SENOR JULIO/MELODY
Blow, blow, blow till I be But breath of the spirit blowing in me…
Down in the meadows the willows are moaning
Sheep in the pasture land cannot lie still
Spirit of God Creation is groaning…
Spirit of God, every man’s heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God man longs that You only…

INT -CUCKOO COOL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Cuckoo is pacing in her room. Stella sits on the couch licking two ice creams, one in each hand.

CUCKOO

How dare he? So he thinks he can insult Cuckoo Cool and get away. I will show him who I am?

STELLA

Everyone knows who you are. You are Cuckoo Cool, the greatest singer in the world.

CUCKOO

That I am. But it is time to make that stuffed shirt Mr. Cranium realize that. I have to make plans.

Her attention is diverted by an advertisement on the TV.

TELEVISION
A nightingale appears singing. Suddenly, she makes a gagging sounds and clutches her throat. A voice says: CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE ? Then a vial appears floating in air with a green liquid sparkling in it. It floats up, the nightingale opens her mouth and the vial pours out the green liquid in her mouth. Her voice restored she starts warbling again. The voice says as the following letters appear on the screen: FAIR IS FOWL, THE MAGIC POTION FROM THE SING SONG COMPANY OF CHINA. COMING SOON. Awaiting patent from the FOUL DRUG ADMINISTRATION(FDA).

CUCKOO

(turning around and snapping her fingers)

That’s it. That’s what I need.

She looks at Stella and makes a disgusted face.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Stella, you have to stop eating everything in sight. You’ll burst like a balloon one day. Now go away and don’t come back till you find Mr. Jack Dawson and Magpie.

Stella flies off, still licking her ice cream.

CUCKOO (CONT’D) (still pacing the floor)

I will see who can win against me.

EXT.- NEAR SENOR JULIO’S HOUSE – DAY

Melody AND Senor Julio are practising. As Melody sings we can see the reaction of the jungle animals. Even the trees wave and grass rustle with joy. As Melody’s voice soars up to a crescendo Senor Julio claps.

SENOR JULIO

Ah, chiquita ! You sing like angel. No singer in the world can hold a candle to you. The world awaits you. You are ready for the contest.

MELODY

But I only sing because I like to sing. A contest is not my dream. I am too shy.

SENOR JULIO

No, no, do not say that, my child. That is an insult to the talent that God has given you. It is your duty to sing for his glory and let the world listen and honour. Talent, which hides away from the sun of audience applause and appreciation, withers and dies. So, go and take your place in the sun, chiquita.

MELODY

I will have to ask mama.

BAND OF CROWS

EXT./ NEAR MARGIE’S NEST /DAY

While Marge watches the CAW-BAND is practising under Monsieur Bull-Brass’ direction. The other animals are roaming nonchalant, seemingly unaffected by the din. She looks up to see Melody approaching with Senor Julio and Banana-Drama. The animals also look up, curious, and remove their ear plugs, cotton wool,and whatever else they may have used to shut out the din of the frog and crow singing. Banana-Drama walks up to Marge with the other two.

BANANA-DRAMA

Hey, Margie, we have a confession to make. Melody here has been learning to sing with Senor Julio here.
All the animals gasp and Monsieur Bull-Brass puffs up indignantly.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Mon Dieu ! This is abominable. She cannot sing.

BANANA-DRAMA

As if you can.

Monsieur Bull-Brass starts puffing with indignation.

MARGE (hastily)

Please Mussy Hair, let me get to the bottom of the matter.

SENOR JULIO (bowing low)

Senora, let me introduce myself. I am Senor Julio, trained and established singer, now retired from public life.

PEEK-A-BOO (to the others)

I know him, he used to be very famous and then at the height of his fame decided to retire when he went blind due to some strange reason.

All the animals make sympathetic sounds.

MARGE

Yes, Senor Julio, but what is my Melody doing with you ? She cannot sing.

SENOR JULIO

Melody can not only sing but she is a rare talent. Believe me, I am a trained singer too.

BANANA-DRAMA

And she is going to take part in the contest, no matter what some Most Of Bully Blast has to say about it.

Monsieur Bull-Brass starts puffing up with anger.

MARGE

Please be quiet Banana-Drama. It is not your decision to make.

SENOR JULIO

I’m sorry if I have offended you, Madame, but when Melody came to me crying I could not stop myself from lending a helping hand. Now, it is your decision whether Melody should be in the contest or not.

All the animals shout that Melody should be allowed to participate too. Even the four crows join in.

OLLIE

I think, Marjorie, it is in the child’s interest that she, too, participates.
(MORE)
It will give her confidence which she is sadly lacking.

BANANA-DRAMA

Hear, hear Professor Do-Doing Something Right For A Change Critter. Marge, you got to listen to the Professor.

Marjorie looks at Monsieur Bull-Brass, afraid to offend him. All the others catch on to her dilemma.

BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)

Ah, but we must first have to take permission from, Mo,Mu,Mi, Most Full And Last Greatest Singer In The World.

Flow-Jo titters while the other animals take up Banana- Drama’s refrain with Please, Don’t say No, You are the greatest. Monsieur Bull-Brass looks gratified.

OLLIE

Yes, my friend. Your permission will clear the air, so to speak. And will put the little bird on the path to success. She will bring glory to Jungle-Land.

BANANA-DRAMA (to SENOR JULIO)

He can never speak straight. But his heart is in the right place as you can see.

Senor Julio nods.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Oui, I mean Yes. I am not one to stand in the way of le peau oiseau’s, I mean the little bird’s, success.

All the animals cheer but stop when he raises one finger.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)

But I have a condition too.

The animals listen with bated breath as he addresses Marge.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)

She may have to take a few lessons with me.
(MORE)
I cannot undo everything that has been taught but I can certainly pull her back from the wrong direction and put her in the same league as her brother’s here.

All the animals look crestfallen and look towards Senor Julio to see how he as taken this insult. Senor Julio, merely smiles.

SENOR JULIO (bowing low)

I agree with and applaud your decision.

Monsieur Bull-Brass smiles at him patronizingly.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

You have done a good job on her Senor Julio and I insist she is your protege. I only intend to tweak a few wrong notes.

SENOR JULIO

I fully comprehend. Now I must take your leave. He bows low and turns to go.

BANANA-DRAMA (whispers in his ear)

You are the best, Senor Julio. And don’t worry ( he takes out a pair of ear plugs ) I have a special pair of small ear plugs for Melody which will take care of this problem

INT – CUCKOO COOL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Cuckoo Cool is lounging on a settee when Stella ushers in Mr. Jack Dawson and Magpie. Magpie, as usual is chattering thirteen to a dozen.

MAGPIE

Cuckoo, by all that is wonderful. Where have you been ? We all left Jungle-Land together and then when we reached the Land Of Birds you disappeared.
(MORE)
Then, of course, we have been following your success story. We did try to get in touch with you , trying to call you by phone, by mail, in person but no. There was always an answering service and no one would let us in. We were so happy to see Stella when she came to call us and I said to Mr. Jack Dawson here that it is unlikely that Cuckoo would forget us. She is just busy, what with being such a famous star and all. And,you know what he said ? He said that,

CUCKOO (interrupting)

I need you to do something for me.

MAGPIE (gasping)

Oh, how did you guess? That’s exactly what he said.

CUCKOO

I need you to help me to get the magic potion FAIR IS FOWL from the SING-SONG COMPANY of China.

MAGPIE (gasping)

You want us to go to China !

CUCKOO

Don’t be silly, you twit. The head offices of the company is here. You Just have to steal it from there. (smirking) Mr. Jack Dawson here has a natural flair for that kind of work.

MR. JACK DAWSON

You have always been very good at taking advantage of someone’s weakness, Cuckoo. But that is beside the point. We’ll need money, not only for our services but also for incidentals and an expense account. We have many expenses and Magpie here has a family to support.

MAGPIE

Oh, yes cuckoo. By God’s grace I have seven children. Would you like to know their names ? They are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

CUCKOO (sarcastically)

I can guess the other three names. Now stop your foolish chattering, you twit, and off with you. Of course I will pay you and well. Go now. Stella show these two out and yes, (she addresses Mr. Jack Dawson ) Mr. Jack Dawson, kindly put back the silver you picked up and put in you pocket in your way in.

Mr. Jack Dawson takes out the silver bric-a-brac and places it on the console.

MR. JACK DAWSON (sourly)

Force of habit, Cuckoo, as you well know.

Stella shows them out.

CUCKOO (to herself)

Just my luck to be surrounded by a foolish, chattering Magpie and a thieving rascal.
Then she rubs her hand in glee.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Ah! But they have their uses.

Stella comes fluttering in.

STELLA

Cuckoo, when is dinner ? I am starving.

CUCKOO (looking irritated again)

But I am still trying to figure out what is your use and why do I tolerate you, tub of lard.

STELLA

I am your friend CUCKOO.

CUCKOO (shuddering)

That remains to be seen.

Cuckoo turns her back on Stella and walks away.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Well, I am off to bed, tubby. Got to watch my figure. You fend for your self.

Behind her Stella wails as she walks away.

STELLA (O.S.)

Cuckoo, dinner !!!!!!

Cuckoo rolls her eyes heavenwards and continues to walk away.

EXT -IN THE JUNGLE – DAY
Melody is helping her brothers to pack their instruments.

DO-RAY

Hey, Melody, what do you want from us when we win. Of course, you know, we are going to share our prize with you.

Me-Far, you are going too-far as usual, as Mom says. There is no need to talk about your teacher like that.

TI-DO

Got to respect the dude , bro. Anyway, tell us Melody,what do you want ?

FLOW-JO (popping her head in)

And what if Melody wins ? Why do you take for granted that only you will win. Melody can win too.

All the crows have a hearty laugh. Marge walks into the room smiling.

MARGE

Well, let’s not get Melody’s hopes up too much. I am sure she will win one day but she has still much to learn. Monsieur Bull-Brass has promised to give extra coaching to Melody.

FLOW-JO

Huh! That’s interesting. I am sure BANANA- DRAMA would be most interested.

(MORE)

Marge, actually everyone wanted to talk to you about something important. That is why they sent me to call you.

MARGE

I’ll be out in a jiffy. You go ahead.

FLOW-JO (leaving)

Bye kids. Have a good one.

MARGE picks up a few cookies.

MARGE (V.O.)

A tasty bite for everyone. They have been such a support. I wonder what they want?
She leaves and as she nears the door she turns around.

MARGE (CONT’D)

Kids, I will be back soon. Be good.

ME-FAR (grinning)

Mom, can I be bad. Just for a change

MARGE (laughing)

Don’t go too far ME-FAR.

All the kids laugh. MARGE leaves and the door shuts behind her.

DO-RAY

That’s what you wanted to hear, didn’t you?

ME-FAR

It’s kind of cool, bro.

MELODY

I think I have the coolest brothers in the world.

They all hug her.

EXT – IN THE JUNGLE – DAY
All the animals are collected on a grassy knoll near a flowing stream. Marge approaches them with some trepidation wondering what is the matter. She waves to them and walks over.

MARGE (offering the cookies)

I have brought some cookies for everyone,freshly baked this morning.

FLOW-JO (taking a small nibble)

Got to watch my figure but I can never resist your delicious cookies MARGE. You are such a joy Marge. And that’s why we have all collected here to make a proposal to you. I do hope you will say Yes.

OLLIE

Hear, hear. Yes, Madame Marjorie Hatchery, We are happy with your decision to enter your children in the contest and would be overjoyed if they were to win. And, it is our greatest wish to be there for you to support you in your endeavours.

BANANA-DRAMA

Professor Doze-Ball, Fur-Ball Critter, can you speak in simple English ? Marge here is wondering what you are talking about.

All right, all right. Let’s not stray from the topic. Marge, in a nut shell, what Professor (pauses and then rushes before the PROFESSOR can object) Dodo Doing Fuzzy Woozy Fool was trying to say that we would all like to come with you to the Land of Birds and cheer your kids. If you don’t mind ?

PETER

Yes, Marge, it will be a nice vacation for all of us.

MIMI -TANG

Yes , the last time I took a vacation when I went back home to China, two hundred years back.

PETER

That’s because you were too cheap to spend on a ticket and decided to walk so about, so 199 were spent in travelling.

MIMI -TANG

Well, there were no planes back then.

FLOW-JO

Oh let’s not get diverted from the topic again. So, Marge, what do you think of the idea ?

Everyone looks towards Marge. She is crying.

BANANA-DRAMA (alarmed)

Hey, Marge, why are you crying. We won’t come , if you don’t want us.

MARGE (blowing her nose in an oversized hanky)

Don’t be silly Banana-Drama, these are tears of joy. I am so happy I have such good friends.

FLOW-JO (rushing to her and hugging her)

Oh, Margie, you are so sweet. That’s why we all love you. (she turns to everyone) Don’t we love her guys.

ALL THE ANIMLS (shouting)
Yay !

BANANA-DRAMA

Three cheers for MARGIE. Hip, hip,

ALL THE ANIMALS
Hurrah !

A Montage of all the Jungle-Land animals flying by TWEET- AIR to and arriving in the Land of Birds. They are taking in the sights and sounds of the place as they travel by the GREY-BUSTARD Bus. They arrive at their hotel- THE PELICAN HOTEL – and are shown to their rooms which theyare sharing. The CAW-BAND stay in one room, Peter and Mimi-Tang in another, Flow-Jo and Marge share one room, Monsieur Bull-Brass and Ollie in one, Banana-Drama and Peek-A-Boo share a room. Melody has a little room attached to her Mom’s. They are shown up to their rooms by little Robin red-breasts who busy themselves helping them to arrange their luggage.

INT – CUCKOO COOL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Cuckoo is getting her fitting of the gown she is about to wear for the Musical Contest Night. Stella hovers around her eating chips from a huge bag of potato chips. Stella makes huge crunchy sounds which is getting on Cuckoo’s nerves.

CUCKOO

Do you mind ? I am trying to get a fitting here.

STELLA

Cuckoo, Is anything the matter ? Why are you in such a bad mood ?

CUCKOO

Because, I am trying to get a fitting here and your crunching is driving me crazy. Moreover, where have those numbskulls, Jack Dawson and Magpie disappeared ? They were supposed to get the magic potion, FAIR IS FOWL for my throat and they are not here yet and the contest in a week’s time.

(There is a knock on the door)

CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Come in !
A portly penguin is at the door.

FREEZER (speaking in Icy Tones)

A couple of vagabonds to see you , Madam. They say they have completed your errand. A Mr. Jack Dawson and Mrs. Magpie.

CUCKOO ( waving peremptorily )

Yes, Freezer, let them in and (she looks towards Stella who giggles ) You know what to do ?

Stella hastens away while Freezer goes to call Dawson and Magpie. He returns and ushers them in.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

That will be all Freezer.

He goes away even as
Stella comes forward and giggling nervously puts a tape on Magpie’s beak even as she opens it to start her chattering and staples Dawson’s wings.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Just a few precautions. One , to stop her chattering which never fails to give me a head-ache and two, to stop, Mr. Nimble Fingers here, right in his track.

Magpie is going blue in her face in an effort to talk and Mr. Jack Dawson is very insulted.

MR. JACK DAWSON

If you will hand us our payment we will be on our way.

CUCKOO

Not so fast, my friend. Let us see the goods first. (Then taking stock of his stapled wings and smiling ) Oh, yes. We do have a minor technical problem here. Never mind, Stella here will be happy to help.

Stella waddles to the jackdaw giggling, puts her hand in his coat pocket and takes out a vial. As she hold up the vial to the light it sparkles and Cuckoo gives a hiss of delight.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Yes. Give it to me Stella. This will make me the undisputed queen of the music world.

Stella waddles over to Cuckoo and gives her the vial.

MR. JACK DAWSON If you could pay us, we will be on our way.

CUCKOO

Yes, of course. I am sure you are not going to do anything for free.
(MORE)
(looking towards Stella)

Stella !
Stella is busy popping grapes in her mouth from the fruit bowl and when she hears Cuckoo’s stern voice she comes scurrying forward dropping all the fruits in the process.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Stella, you greedy bird, stop eating and give them their money.

STELLA

(rummaging through Cuckoo’s purse and taking out the money)

But Cuckoo I was eating fruits. That’s healthy and all, you said.

CUCKOO

Oh, for beaks’ sake, if you eat only the fruit and not with the chocolates and the ice creams. Now give them the money and release them, I say.

Stella scurries to do her bidding. As Dawson and Magpie leave, Cuckoo can be seen holding up the vial of sparkling liquid and smiling.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Ah, victory is mine.

INT – VARIOUS HOTEL ROOMS – DAY
Monsieur Bull-Brass is practising with the CAW-BAND while the animals are showing their distress in the usual way by running to stuff their ears with cotton , ear plugs or whatever object happens to be handy. An irate customer, an eagle, Sam Spread-Eagle, calls up the manager, a fat turkey, Mr. Gobble.

SAM (on the phone)

This is Sam Spread-Eagle here from room 1001. I haven’t traveled all the way to have my ears blasted to the moon. If you don’t stop this infernal racket right away I am going to call the NOISE POLICE.

MR. GOBBLE (on the phone)

I will look into the matter, Sir.

SAM

You better. Or we have ways to deal with all kinds of weapons of mass disruption. I don’t like invasion of my piracy, I mean, privacy. Got it.

MR. GOBBLE

Very well sir. We will do our best to pour oil over troubled waters.

SAM

Good, you better. (bangs down the phone) Darn foreigners, don’t know how to treat their guests. Got to teach them every thing.

Mom, all of us are going to see where we are going to perform. You want to come with us?

MARGE

No sweetie, Flow-Jo and I are off for some shopping. There is any early bird sale going on at TWEET-TRADE CENTRE. You go ahead. Is Monsieur Bull-Brass going too?

MELODY

After last night when the manager came to him to stop practising in the hotel because the guests were getting disturbed he wants to see if he can practice in the hall. He also wants to check out the a- coo, a-coo

MARGE

Acoustics, which is the way in which the sound bounces off the walls and comes to our ears.

BANANA-DRAMA (popping in his head)

Oh ! I hope he does not get bounced off from there as he got bounced off from here.

MARGE

Banana-Drama, promise you will see that he does not get offended in any way.

BANANA-DRAMA

Anything for you Margie. Come, Melody, lets be off.

MELODY
Bye, Mom.

MARGE

Bye, Melody. Enjoy.

The door shuts as the two leave and MARGE picks up her bag.

(Marge (CONT’D)

(to her-self)

Poor child. I hope she will not be too disappointed if she doesn’t win the contest.

INT -MUSIC-HALL -DAY
All the animals from Jungle-Land except Marge and Flow-Jo have collected at the venue where the show is going to be held. It is very grand and they are quite awe-struck. They file through the aisle and reach the stage.

BANANA-DRAMA
Awesome !

PEEK-A-BOO

A most enchanting experience.

PETER

PETER PARROT

If the empty hall is so wonderful, I wonder what it will be like when it is full of birds and beasts from all over the world.

MIMI -TANG

Yes, it will be something to write home about.

ME-FAR

Yes, they will get to know in about 100 years by the time you write the letter, mail it and then remember, you forgot to put the stamp.

PETER

He doesn’t forget . He’s just too cheap.

OLLIE (to ME-FAR)

Didn’t your mother tell you not to go too far, Me-Far.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Why are we wasting time on silly talk when there is important work at hand. I would like to check the acoustics of this place so that I am sure the sound reaches the furthest corner of this hall.

BANANA-DRAMA

(with a sour expression to Peek-A-Boo)

With his noise it is going to reach the four corners of the world. Hope we don’t get thrown out of this place. Better stop him before it is too late.

PEEK-A-BOO (hastily to Melody)

Melody, why don’t you go on stage and try out your voice.

Banana -Drama winks at the other animals and they all, except Ollie, who is anyway trying out the comfort of the seats and has dozed off, take up the refrain. “Yes Melody, go ahead . Don’t be shy. It’s good practise for you.” Even as they push her towards the stage. Melody climbs up the stage, turns around and looks at the vast, empty hall with a scared expression. She closes her eyes and sees Senor Julio
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT.- IN THE JUNGLE- DAY

SENOR JULIO

Melody, my child. Talent that is hidden away from the world is like a plant without sun. It becomes stunted. So be like the sunflower and bask in the sunlight of audience approval and sing for glory, the glory of God.

BACK TO THE MUSIC HALL STAGE

MELODY (singing)

Spirit of God in the clear running water Blowing to
greatness the trees on the hill
Spirit of God in the finger of morning
Fill the earth bring it to birth And blow where You will
Blow, blow, blow till I be But breath of the spirit
blowing in me…
Down in the meadows the willows are moaning
Sheep in the pasture land cannot lie still
Spirit of God Creation is groaning…
Spirit of God, every man’s heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God man longs that You only.

Melody opens her eyes at the sound of all the animals clapping and shouting Bravo Melody, all except Monsieur Bull-Brass who has a pained expression on his face and is shaking his head. Behind a pillar stands Cuckoo, seething with anger, staring at Melody with malevolence.

CUCKOO (walking away) Melody, something will have to be done about you.

KING TWEETY FRUITY

INT.- KING TWEETY – FRUITY’S PALACE HALL – DAY

King Tweety – Fruity is having high tea with Mr. Cranium watching him with an exasperated air.
MR.CRANIUM

MR.CRANIUM It seems to me you have forgotten last times tummy ache, Sire.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY (expression darkening)

Dare you remind me of that awful time when three bottles of the bitterest medicine was not enough to kill the pain. It is not your place, Mr. Cranium.

MR.CRANIUM (hastily and a little scared)

Forgive me, Sire. I did not mean to distress you. But Cuckoo Cool, your court singer is here with a request.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

(sipping loudly as he drinks a milk shake)

What does she want ? You know how I hate to be disturbed when I am busy with my sweeties.

MR.CRANIUM (looking at the audience)

Which means nothing will ever get done for when is he not busy with his sweeties, as he calls them. (turning to the King ) Sire, she will take a minute of your time.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

All right, all right, send her in. But not more than a minute.

MR. CRANIUM signals to the flamingo at the entrance who announces

FLAMINGO

Cuckoo Cool enters in the royal presence of KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET- TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN

Cuckoo-Cool sashays in with an air of false bravado.

CUCKOO

Your highness, it is so gracious of you to give me an audience. I am deeply honored.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY (cutting her short)

Get to the point. I don’t have all the time in the world to listen to your drivel.

CUCKOO

(thrown off balance but recovering quickly)

It is my humble request, Sire, if we should entertain the contestants at my mansion to welcome them.
MR.CRANIUM

An excellent idea.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

Why ? so she can figure out the competition and find ways to beat or bribe them into submission ?

CUCKOO (fluttering)

Oh, no, no, Sire that is not my intention at all.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY (going back to his eating)

I know you too well Cuckoo Cool but, I don’t care. Just don’t waste my time with your conniving tactics. Do what you want to. Now go. I have important matters to attend to, like this huge mound of sweeties.

MR. CRANIUM

Mr. Cranium looks disgusted as Cuckoo Cool backs out and then turns away to go.

MR.CRANIUM (looking at the audience) His fondness for sweets is going to get him in such big trouble that all the medicines of he world will not be enough to cure him.

I/E / A HUGE LIMOUSINE /NIGHT
Melody and her four brothers are travelling in a swanky limousine. They take in the sights and sounds of the city in the night.
I/E. /CUCKOO’S MANSION / NIGHT
The limousine sweeps into the portico where the door man opens the door of the car and a handful of liveried flunky’s usher them into a huge hall ablaze with lights and awash with the din of chattering contestants.
Cuckoo moves among the guests, birds and beasts of every shape and size, chattering and laughing but she has noticed Melody’s arrival from the corner of her eyes.
Freezer is moving among the guests with queries of “ Some ice ? “ His eyes meets Cuckoo’s and he glides towards Melody.

FREEZER

A cold drink for Miss.

Melody is reaching out for the drink when her brother interrupts

SO-LA

Melody, cold drinks are bad for your throat.

Melody withdraws her hand. Cuckoo who was watching anxiously draws in her breath. Freezer looks significantly at her. Cuckoo signals with her eyes for him to follow her to the kitchen as she walks away.

INT.-CUCKOO’S KITCHEN – NIGHT
Cuckoo goes into the kitchen, takes a vol-au-vent, opens it and fills it with chillies and is waiting for Freezer when he walks in.

CUCKOO (handing him a plate of snacks)

Here, Freezer, these hot and spicy snacks should do the trick. And don’t forget to have a glass of extra cold iced water with you and place an ice cream cup on the table near by. I am going to draw her away from her brothers, they always look out for her.

FREEZER (giving a cold smile)

It will be done, Madame Cuckoo.

(he turns to go but stops when he hears Cuckoo’s voice)

CUCKOO

Hang on a second, Freezer. One more thing. Tell Stella to draw the bath water and fill it with extra chilly water. Throw in a few ice cubes too.

FREEZER

Very well Madame.

Freezer leaves and Cuckoo swishes behind him humming.

INT.- PARTY HALL – CUCKOO’S MANSION – NIGHT
Melody is looking around wonder struck when Cuckoo sweeps up to her and puts her arm around her shoulder.

CUCKOO (drawing her towards the table)

Come my dear. I want to ask you how you thought of becoming a singer ? Is your mother a singer too ?

MELODY (shy, hesitant and awe – struck)

No-o-o. Nothing like that. I just had to sing. Singing is my life.

CUCKOO

How amazing. I felt the same way. I just had to sing. We are so much like each other. And you are so unlike your brothers.

(she shoots a look of dislike towards crows as she says this harshly)

MELODY (drawing away from CUCKOO)

Oh, but they are very sweet and I love them.

CUCKOO (quickly pulling her towards herself and sweetening her voice)

Oh, I am sure you do. Just that I am sure they can’t hold a candle to you.

MELODY

How can you say that ?

Cuckoo is flummoxed but by then Freezer has reached them with his tray.

Let me. Open your mouth, child.
Melody opens her mouth and Cuckoo pops in the hot snack. Melody chews and then gasps, her eyes watering. There is the sound of sizzling coming from her mouth.

MELODY

Oh , its hot. My mouth is burning.

Cuckoo grabs the chilled water from Freezer’s tray.

CUCKOO

Here, drink this.

Melody gulps the water. But still the sound of sizzle persists. Cuckoo grabs the ice cream.

CUCKOO (CONT’D)

Here, eat this. It will cool of your mouth.

She feeds Melody ice cream and as she is doing so drops the bowl on her with the ice cream splattering down her front.
MELODY

Oh ! Oh !

She starts crying. Stella comes into the hall and as Cuckoo looks at her, Stella winks.

CUCKOO (drawing Melody away)

Come my child, we’ll clean you up and you will be good as new.

Melody and Cuckoo leave the hall.

INT. – HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is lying in bed coughing with a cold water compress on her forehead. All the animals are ranged round her, looking worried.

MARGE

(taking out the thermometer from her mouth and looking at it)

Gracious! Melody what made you have so much cold stuff. Didn’t your brothers stop you ?

DO-RAY

We couldn’t see her anywhere.

ME-FAR

One minute she is with Madame Cuckoo- Cool, and next minute, whoosh, vanished.

SO-LA

Who goes to a party and has a bath?

TI-DO

That too with cold water.

MARGE

Yes, child . I understand the ice cream fell on you but wasn’t there any hot water? And how can she serve such spicy, hot stuff to kids. I am going to have a word with her.

FLOW-JO

Yes, Melody, tell us. We need to get to the bottom of this business.

BANANA-DRAMA

A very, very nasty business. Mind you, there is something wrong here, I can feel it in my tail.

OLLIE

That’s a far-fetched tale.

MARGE

Oh ! Don’t start, you two, now. Melody, speak up.

MARGE, MELODY, CUCKOO

Melody is trying to speak and only rasping sounds emanate from her throat. All the animals look at each other, shocked.

INT-SENOR JULIO’S HOUSE-DAY
Senor Julio is tinkling on the piano when Bat Van Friday brings him a juice.

SENOR JULIO

Thank you, Bat Van. You are a good man Friday.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

Wasn’t he the one who was Robinson Crusoe’s helper when he was marooned alone on an island.

SENOR JULIO

The same. And you are my ray of light when I am alone in this sea of darkness.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

Isn’t it strange that a blind bat is helping a blind bird ?

SENOR JULIO

Strange are the ways of the lord. But I am sure there is a hidden meaning in all of this. Only we cannot see it at present.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

How will we see it if we don’t have eyes?

SENOR JULIO

To see , you don’t need eyes, you need a heart. And you have a very big heart.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

Yes, but it is concealed in this very ugly body which does not know whether it is a bird or a beast.

SENOR JULIO (laughing)

You will find out one day. But for the time being, be of good cheer, your shining soul will be an example for all of creation one day.

Senor Julio takes a sip of the juice and it goes the wrong way and he starts coughing. Bat Van Friday strokes him on the back and the coughing subsides.

SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)

You know, my heart says, Melody is in some big trouble. She needs me. Why don’t you start packing ? We are going on a journey.

He is overcome by a coughing fit again.

DISSOLVE TO:
INT. -HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is coughing. Banana-Drama and Peek-A-Boo are looking at her worried.

BANANA-DRAMA

Man, the contest in two days and Melody in this condition. Coughing up a storm and her throat completely jammed. She can’t speak a word, how is she going to sing ?

PEEK-A-BOO

(fanning her with his tail feathers and wiping Melody’s brow.)

There, there child.

One of his feathers tickle her nose and she sneezes.

BANANA-DRAMA

Man,you got to stop using your beautiful tail feathers as a hand-kerchief or a mop or a feather duster or whatever comes to your mind.

PEEK-A-BOO

Sorry, force of habit. But it is my feeling that all beauty should have a purpose. It’s not enough just to look good.

BANANA-DRAMA

You are one strange dude, man. But I like you. But what are we going to do? I am going bananas just thinking about it.

PEEK-A-BOO

Well, they say when in doubt, shout to God. There is house of Prayer just around the corner. Why don’t we take Melody along and see if God gives us some ideas or shows us a way.

BANANA-DRAMA

(looking at Melody sniffling)

Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Lets go, bro.

(MORE)
Come on Melody,let’s put on a jacket on you and see if our prayers will do the trick.

DISSOLVE TO:
EXT – HOUSE OF PRAYER – DAY
We pull back from a board which says ON A WING AND A PRAYER to include three figures, Peek-A-Boo, Banana-Drama and Melody in a red hooded jacket looking up at the HOUSE OF PRAYER with two wings folded in prayer above it.

BANANA-DRAMA

Is this place strictly for the birds or what ?

PEEK-A-BOO

No, places of worship are for everyone. You think there are special Gods for each kind ? A bird- God, a beast-God, a Man- God ? No, there is only one God. And his heart and home is open to all.

BANANA-DRAMA

You may look tatty sometimes Peek-A-Boo but you sure say some very wise things. All right, let’s go in and pray for our wee Melody here.

The three go in.

I/E -JEWEL SHOP -DAY

Mr. Jack Dawson is wearing a security guard uniform and standing at the door of a jewel shop. Just then four badgers wearing trench coats and slouch hats enter the door. As Dawson stands out side the door he hears a commotion and rushes into the shop . The four badgers are holding up the cashier with pistols, the customers are on the floor and the manager, a fat kiwi bird, is quaking in the corner. One of the badgers is scooping the jewelry and stashing it in his bag. Dawson takes a flying leap and tackles the badger holding the pistol. The other badgers attack him but he fights bravely. In the mean time the manager has pressed the alarm and the BIRD- POLICE arrives with wailing sirens. Taking advantage of the commotion one of the badgers slips in a diamond necklace into Dawsons’ pocket. As the thieves are being hustled away the badger who had slipped in the necklace points to Dawson and says

BADGER-BANDIT

He’s with us. Check his pocket.

KIWI-MANAGER

He got you arrested.

BADGER-BANDIT

Check his pocket. He was afraid we would not keep our side of the bargain. So he decided to blow the whistle on us. But being a jackdaw, he couldn’t resist and flicked a necklace. Check his pocket. You will find proof.

Everyone looks at Mr. Jack Dawson who puts his hand in his pocket and turns it out and looks at the necklace with a stupefied expression.

BIRD-POLICE INSPECTOR

Arrest him.

Mr. Jack Dawson makes a break for it, the necklace still in his hands. He runs out of the shop with the police and others hot on his heels. As he is running he sees the HOUSE OF PRAYER and runs in and bumps into Banana-Drama, Peek-A-Boo, and Melody who are coming out of the door. They all go flying in different directions and the necklace clatters to the floor. Banana-Drama takes one look at the necklace and then looks at the crowd yelling and running, “ Thief , Thief” through the door which is ajar and understands the matter at once.

BANANA-DRAMA

Yo, brother. You are the thief. Have to do my bit as a law abiding citizen and give you up.

MR. JACK DAWSON

I have been framed. This is the first time I didn’t steal and have been caught with the goods on me.

PEEK-A-BOO

Are you trying to tell me that you , a jackdaw, notorious for picking up shiny objects, is not responsible for this, (pointing to the necklace) Business. I don’t believe you brother.

MR. JACK DAWSON

You can believe what you like. I know we jackdaws have a bad reputation. And I want to change, to fight my nature. But this one I did not do.

BANANA-DRAMA

Well, I am sorry for you brother and all that but we got to do what we got to do.So,

He marches towards the door when he feels a tug on his arm. He looks around.

BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)

Melody, what gives ?

MELODY (hoarsely)

Banana-Drama, please don’t. Please give him a chance.

Banana-Drama, Peek-A-Boo AND Mr. Jack Dawson look amazed.

BANANA-DRAMA

Melody, he’s a felon, a dangerous criminal. You want to give him a chance?

MELODY

God gives everyone a chance, my Mom says. No matter who ? So why not him.

BANANA-DRAMA (looking at the jackdaw)

All right then, you can go. We can’t break Melody’s heart, not when she is ill and all that.

Mr. Jack Dawson, gets up and dusts himself.

MR. JACK DAWSON Thank you. I won’t forget this kind gesture.

He is about to leave when he stops at Peek-A-Boo’s voice.

PEEK-A-BOO

Wait. Your necklace.

MR. JACK DAWSON

It’s not my necklace and I don’t want it. I am not a thief. It’s just a disease for which there is no cure.

He looks very sad.

BANANA-DRAMA Hey brother, looks like you were speaking the truth. Don’t take it to heart.

(MORE)

You are standing in place of prayer, God is listening to you. He’ll come up with something.

MELODY

I know who can help him. Professor .

BANANA-DRAMA

You mean that Dodo Ding-Bat can help this poor bird. More likely he will confuse him so much he will graduate from petty thieving to grand larceny and become a major robber.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Look, I am so desperate I will give anything, anyone a chance.

BANANA-DRAMA

All right then, if you want to take a chance. Don’t blame me later on. Let’s go.

They all leave and we see them bathed in a pool of shining light as they walk out of the door.

INT. – HOTEL LOBBY – DAY
All the animals are collected in the hotel lobby along with Mr. Sam Spread-Eagle. Marge is gesticulating and talking with Mr. Gobble.

MARGE

Mr. Gobble, my daughter is missing, don’t you understand. She is not well and this is a big place where no one knows her and you say you can’t do anything. What kind of answer is that ?

OLLIE

This turkey is speaking gobble – gobble gobbledygook.

SAM

I say we organize a search party. Darn foreigners. Got to help them with everything.

Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus. (bowing to Mr. Jack Dawson) And how can I be of service to you ?

BANANA-DRAMA

It’s private business.

OLLIE

In that case I will give you an appointment for 3 this afternoon, right after lunch.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Thank you, kind Sir. (He bows to Ollie) I take your leave. And will be back at 3 sharp. (He bows to everyone and finally, taking MARGE’S hand kisses it) And let me compliment you , Madame, on the fine child you have raised,

He looks at Melody sucking her thumb.

MR. JACK DAWSON (CONT’D)

A most kind-hearted and generous girl, Bless you all.
He takes leave. All the animals admiringly watch him leave.

SAM

He’s the goods. That’s for sure. I think I can arrange for him to come to the U.S. We need fine folks like him.

MARGE

Birds like him are welcome everywhere. (taking Melody by the hand) Now come on child, you need to rest.

BANANA-DRAMA (to Peek-A-Boo)

We’ll meet in Professor Ding-Dong’s room at 3. (patting his tummy) Time for lunch. I believe it is banana nut bread today. My favorite.

Mimi-Tang craning her neck and trying to walk faster, huffing and puffing at the same time.

MIMI -TANG

I think I need some mechanical device to help me.

PETER

Give me a break.

MIMI -TANG

Not a break, an accelerator which will make me go faster.

PETER

(throwing up his hands in he air.)

Ye gods!

We see his hands in the air as they all file out.

BANANA-DRAMA
(V.O) I have a great idea for you Mimi-Tang.

INT- OLLIE’S ROOM – DAY

Ollie is perched on a sofa with his wings steepled as Mr. Jack Dawson sits in front of him with a woebegone face.

OLLIE

(taking out and polishing his spectacles and putting them back on again)

So you say you have this problem only when you see shiny objects. You just get blinded by the shine and then you don’t remember what happens till you see the object in your pocket or where ever you choose to put it. Interesting.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Yes, yes. I am by nature a very honest person but when it comes to shiny objects, somehow I cannot help myself. I have to take them.

OLLIE

Yes, it is a common problem, especially with women. They just can’t resist shiny objects, the shinier the better, like diamonds, for example.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Yes, but they know what they are doing.

OLLIE

You will be surprised. But,anyway, we are here to sort out your problem. And I think I have the solution, a simple one but effective.

He whips out a pair of dark glasses.

OLLIE (CONT’D)

I am going to do a simple experiment with you which, unknown to you, I have already set up. (handing Dawson the glasses) Here, put on these.

Nothing, I am just saying (again he makes his voice like a cuckoo as he says) Cuckoo, cuckoo.
OLLIE
Too-whit who

BANANA-DRAMA

Drat it, this owl is making me go bananas. Let’s get out of here. (to JACK DAWSON) You go on in. And let us know what happened. We are going to Melody’s room to see how she is doing. Her room is 1111, that is double one , double one.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Got it. I will be there. If I am cured of my habit of stealing things I have to thank her. It was her idea.
(MORE)
(he opens the door and looks back before going in and says) Wish me luck.

BANANA-DRAMA

All the best, brother. All the very best.

CONTINUOUS

INT -OLLIE’S ROOM -DAY

Mr. Jack Dawson walks in. He looks at Ollie

MR. JACK DAWSON
Well ?

OLLIE The experiment is a success. You are cured.

MR. JACK DAWSON (looking amazed)

How ? When ? Where ? Why?

OLLIE (smiling)

Take off your glasses and turn around.

Mr. Jack Dawson takes off his glasses and turns around. A shiny silver salver with some small silver objects winks at him.

OLLIE (CONT’D)(V.O.)

Do you see all those shiny objects. They were lying there and you did not pick them up as you left the door. Because the dark glasses were cutting the glare so they were no longer shiny. You are cured.

MR. JACK DAWSON
Hallelujah ! Beat Does that mean I have to wear these glasses all the time.

OLLIE (laughing)

Who..who..who, To wit who, of course not, my good man. It is only for sometime. Then you will be cured.

MR. JACK DAWSON

I can’t thank you enough. Surely you are a wise owl. Tell me, what can I do for you. Anything. Tell me what do you want ?

OLLIE

What I want, you can’t do for me. So, it’s quite all right, my man. I am happy my experiment worked. For a man of science that is enough.

MR. JACK DAWSON At least tell me. You never know the power of goodness. Just tell me. I will do anything in my power to return the good you did to me.

OLLIE

Well, there is only one thing I want. I want Melody to sing in the contest. Marge is a dear friend of mine and I know all the friends of Jungle-Land will be very disappointed if she is unable to sing. They were so looking forward to it. But as you know her throat is damaged ever since she went to Cuckoo Cool’s party and was made to have all that cold stuff.

MR. JACK DAWSON (throwing up his hand/wings)

Cuckoo, I should have known it. She would be behind it. But, wait I have a plan to foil her. Yes, Melody will sing. You can bet your last dollar on it. I have to go but I will be back. Tell Melody and the others not to lose heart.

Mr. Jack Dawson opens the door and leaves the room.

OLLIE

(putting his wings together and pursing his lips)

Who ! Who ever thought that some one who everyone thought was a thoroughly bad fellow would turn out to be so nice. And now if he can only find a way to help Melody she would be a role model for those who believe in the power of goodness.

I/E. CUCKOO’S ROOM AND OUTSIDE CUCKOO’S WINDOW – NIGHT

CUCKOO is on the phone. STELLA is sitting next to her looking at a magazine – FOOD FOR TWEETS and drooling over the photos of goodies.

CUCKOO

Yes, I am calling on behalf of Cuckoo Cool. Yes, she is willing to relocate to London if she gets what she wants. Good money, housing, health insurance and (looking at Stella) Food stamps for my staff. How many do I have on the staff for food stamps ? (again as she looks at Stella) Oh ! I would say about six, no make that eight. Food for eight people. Oh, you are putting me on hold. All right, I will wait till you ask the SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOWL MUSIC.

Outside the window we get a glimpse of Mr. Jack Dawson, wearing his glasses, as he swings wildly on a creeper . We see this intermittently as the scene continues.

STELLA

Cuckoo, why do you want to leave Land Of Birds. This is as good as it gets. We have a great life here.

CUCKOO

Because I want to teach that snooty Mr. Cranium a lesson and also that greedy pig King Tweety -Fruity.

STELLA

But he won’t let you go. You are under a contract.

Now we see a toffee nosed Englishman picking up the phone. He is about to say something when Cuckoo’s following dialogue reaches him.

CUCKOO

Who cares about contracts ? Once I am in London he can take his contract and eat it with his sweeties for all I care.

ENGLISH GENTLEMAN

I heard that Madame Cuckoo Cool. I’m afraid we do not desire the services of one who does not honour her contract.
(MORE)
And I think I will be getting in touch with King Tweety – Fruity about this. We royals should stick together.

He puts down the phone with a resounding thud which assails Cuckoo’s ears. She puts down the phone and glares at Stella.

CUCKOO

(screeching and lunging towards Stella )

All because of you !

Stella rushes pell-mell out of the room pursued by Cuckoo.

Mr. Jack Dawson who has been wildly swinging, clutching to a creeper now jumps in. He goes to Cuckoo’s dressing table and starts rummaging. But he can’t see the bottle. He is frantic. Then he hears the sound of Cuckoo returning and leaps out of the window. He peers in again and looks at Cuckoo picking up the bottle and looking at it speculatively and then pouring the contents down her throat. Mr. Jack Dawson is puzzled and then it occurs to him. He takes of his glares and the bottle sparkles into focus. But it is almost over. Just a quarter is left when Cuckoo stops and puts the stopper and puts it in her clutch bag which she shuts with a snap.

CUCKOO (CONT’D) (to herself)

Ah ! Some for tomorrow. Poor Melody, so you thought you could compete with Cuckoo- Cool.

INT.- HOTEL ROOM – DAY
All the animals have collected in Marge’s room. It is the day of the contest and the animals are dressed in their finery debating what to do. Melody is in bed with a thermometer stuck in her mouth. Marge takes out the thermometer, looks at it.

MARGE

It’s still high enough for Melody to not attend the function. She needs to rest. Anyway, her throat is not in the condition to sing even if she made the effort.

MELODY

I wanted to see my brothers perform.

DO-RAY

We don’t want to perform any more.

MARGE

Of course you have to perform. So many of us have come all the way for this.

SO-LA

I think Melody can perform if she tries.

MARGE

No, I don’t want her too. Not if her throat is in the condition it is now. It would not serve any purpose. Look, why don’t you all go ahead and I will stay back with Melody and nurse her.

TI-DO

Mom ! How can you come all the way and not see the show.

ME-FAR

We will not go if you are not going to come with us. That is final.
MARGE

Me-Far, you are going too far now.

MELODY

Mom, please go . I will feel much better if you do.

MARGE

Melody, you know that is not possible. I can’t leave you alone.

BANANA-DRAMA

Look, Marge, you go ahead. It’s not fair since your kids are performing. I will stay back with MELODY.

MARGE
But,

OLLIE

He is right you know. The CAW-BAND will perform much better if they know you are there, watching them.

MARGE
But,

MELODY

Please go, Ma. I beg of you.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Yes, Madame Marjorie Hatchery, in case there is a crisis or mishap when the CAW- BAND performs the mother should be around.

BANANA-DRAMA

Well, there is no need to be so negative man. It’s bad enough that Melody can’t perform, now you are thinking there could be a crisis with the CAW-BAND.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

Well, one must think of all possible things that can happen.

BANANA-DRAMA

Be positive man. That’s when things work out. And keep the faith.

OLLIE

Hear, hear. (looking at the clock ) The event is scheduled to begin in three hours. I think we should leave in an hour. There is bound to be traffic and we need to get early to get good seats.

MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

We’ll be leaving even earlier. I want the CAW-BAND to become comfortable.( He says this in the French way as come-for-tab- lay.)

MIMI -TANG

Come for what ? Can anyone figure out what that man talks.

PETER

You can if you are French. Otherwise its just better to listen and nod. If you say something there will be another crisis and we’ll be all fighting.

PEEK-A-BOO

This is a sad state of affairs. But lets make the best of it. I think Melody needs to rest so let’s be on our way.

All the animals file out giving sympathetic looks to Melody. Mimi- Tang is on skates from now on. Only Flow-Jo lingers to give Melody a peck.

FLOW-JO

Rest well, my child. Remember it is always darkest before dawn.

Melody shuts her eyes and nods. In the darkness there is a Voice.

MELODY’S (V.O.)

Please God, let my brother’s win.

I/E. – VENUE OF CONTEST – NIGHT
There is huge crowd outside the venue . Flash bulbs are popping as photographers take photos of the crowd streaming in. A red carpet is laid out for the contestants. An Ostrich wearing a halter gown and chandelier ear-rings, O-Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two stands in front of the venue facing a television camera operated by the PANDA and the mike by the GIRAFFE who is so tall the mike keeps shaking and moving and appears in the frame much to the disgust of the PANDA who keeps making disgusted sounds and signalling to him frantically.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

It’s a glorious day in the LAND OF BIRDS. Musicians from all over the world are streaming in to participate in this fabulous contest organized under the benevolence of the wise and kind ruler of this land, the all gracious, all wonderful, KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT- TOOT, AL-AMEN, loved by all, and affectionately called King Tweety-Fruity by his loving subjects. Let us talk to a few of the participants who are now coming in and ask them their feelings on this momentous occasion. Ah here’s the lovely Luke-Loo Lark-Wings.

An ethereal looking lark appears, on the TV screen as well .

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Hi Luke-Loo Lark-Wings, what are your thoughts on this momentous occasion. Are you nervous?

LUKE-LOO LARK-WINGS

Hi, I am here for a lark. So no question of any nervousness.

She gives a tinkling laugh and sweeps away.

An elephant is arriving holding a little trumpet.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

Ah, here’s Patch-Edam. Hey Patch-Edam, how come you are alone. Where’s the rest of your team ?

PATCH-EDAM

I am blowing my own trumpet this time.

He lumbers off. O-Zee laughs.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

I guess he didn’t realize what he just said. But, look whose here ? THE BEAR-ALL BAND. Let’s see what they have to say.

Four brown bears are lumbering in holding different instruments including a bag-pipe.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Will you be playing a Scottish tune tonight?

ONE OF THE BEARS

Not really, but this bag pipe makes a fine bag to carry sundry items like bee hives. See the bee are inside and can’t get out but we can just tilt this and (he demonstrates) Out comes the honey. Which we need to restore our self in this gruelling contest.

They lumber off.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

What an interesting invention. I am sure their song will be just as interesting. I believe its called, “ Grin and Bear It”. Ha ha, I hope we won’t be doing that through the song.

Then she gives and exclamation.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Oh, look, it’s the court singer, Cuckoo- Cool. Let’s get a few words of advice from her for the other contestants.

Cuckoo can be seen arriving with Stella hovering in the background.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Madame Cuckoo Cool, great to see you here. Any wise words for our contestants.

CUCKOO Well, I wish them all the best. But, it is survival of the fittest and I am feeling as fit as a fiddle. But at least the others will learn something from me so that they can try and wrest the crown from me next year. That’s show-business.

She sweeps away holding her clutch purse above her head to say bye to O-Zee who turns back to face the camera

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

More like show-off business, in her case. I tell you. It’s almost time for KING COO- TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN, alias King Tweety-Fruity to arrive. But wait, we have time for one more interview. Here is the CAW-BAND with their teacher Monsieur Bull-Brass.

We see the CAW-BAND and Monsieur Bull-Brass puffed up with importance standing.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Ah ! Monsieur Bull-Brass, a few words from the leading singer from France.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS

(so excited he can hardly speak) CROAK, CROAK, CROAK.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

What was that, I couldn’t quite understand. I’m afraid I don’t understand French.

She turns away. Monsieur Bull Brass deflates.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Yes, we have run out of time. Let’s move inside the hall.
(MORE)
I believe our beloved ruler, KING TWEETY- FRUITY, has also arrived.

The PANDA lowers the camera and crooks his finger to the giraffe who has been holding the mike in the frame intermittently. The PANDA is seething.

PANDA

Because of you we have lost the job to be on screen. Now, with your inefficient ways I can see that we are going to lose this job too. Why can’t your father get you a job like picking fruit or something more suitable.

GIRAFFE
He did.

PANDA

Then what happened ?

GIRAFFE

I kept eating the fruits we were plucking.

The PANDA is trying to pull the mike from the giraffe who is resisting.

EXT – SKY – NIGHT

Senor Julio is perched on Bat Van Friday’s back and they are making good time.

SENOR JULIO

I think we are almost there. I can see the lights of he venue where they are going to perform.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

How can you see ? I thought you were blind like me.

SENOR JULIO

I am. But when ever there is an intense light as in the stadium below my pupils react to the light. This leads me to think that my affliction is not incurable even though none of the doctors can find the nerve that was damaged.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

Well, you never know what can happen with these things.
(MORE)

Though I wish I could find out what I am. This not knowing is driving me nuts. I don’t know where I belong, with the birds or with the beasts

SENOR JULIO

It’s called an identity crisis. You will find out. Now, step on it, I have a feeling Melody needs us.

There is a sound of engine revving and Bat Van Friday zooms off.

INT.- MUSIC-HALL – NIGHT
Cuckoo is walking along imperiously with Stella trying to keep pace when her way is blocked by Magpie and her seven children.

MAGPIE

Cuckoo, how wonderful. I was just telling my children here that one of the contestants is my friend. And here you are. Meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and (pointing to one of them) Guess, what’s his name?

CUCKOO (sourly)

I can guess.

STELLA (from the back ground)

I know, it must be December.

CUCKOO (shaking her head)

Confused as usual. All right what is it you want Magpie ?

MAGPIE

Oh, Cuckoo, can you give the children your autograph. (then she looks at Stella and says) Stella, they are giving free ice creams in the lobby behind.

Before Cuckoo can say anything Stella zooms off.

STELLA
(V.O) Back in a jiffy.

Cuckoo gives and exasperated sigh.

CUCKOO

All right, give me the autograph books.

The Magpie children clamor around her handing her their autograph books but Cuckoo’s hand is holding the clutch bag. She looks around for a place to put it.

MAGPIE

I’ll hold it.

Cuckoo hands her the bag and begins to sign the autographs. Magpie quietly slips out the vial of MAGIC POTION. Then she hustles her children.

MAGPIE (CONT’D)

All right children, that’s enough. Let’s go or we’ll be late.

The children snatch their autograph books from Cuckoo and follow their mother. Cuckoo is flabbergasted.

MAGPIE (CONT’D) (handing her the bag)

All right Cuckoo, got to run.

She rushes off with Cuckoo glaring at her back, rushing off with her children. She spots Stella returning with a huge cone of ice cream.

CUCKOO

Stella, don’t you ever leave without taking my permission. You are so bad for my image, look at you.

Stella tries to rush, trips and the whole ice cream splatters on CUCKOO’S face and dress.

STELLA
Oops !

Cuckoo glares at her balefully through the ice cream and seeing her expression Stella turns to flee even as Cuckoo gives a shriek and lunges after her. A mocking bird and couple of hyenas laugh gleefully.

EXT.- MUSIC HALL- NIGHT

Mr. Jack Dawson waits outside when MAGPIE comes rushing out with her brood.

MAGPIE (handing him the vial)

Here it is. You better rush, Not a moment to be lost.

MR. JACK DAWSON

Yes. I have to get to Melody in time.

He rushes off. As Magpie turns to go she see Stella being chased by Cuckoo.

MAGPIE (to her children)

As you can see it never pays to be with selfish, greedy people. They will always get you in trouble. Let’s go in. It’s almost time for the show.

She flutters in with her children.

INT.- HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is lying in bed while Banana-Drama sits on the couch. They are both watching the events at the MUSIC HALL. They see King Tweety-Fruity arrive with Mr. Cranium. He has an all day sucker with him which he licks intermittently, even as he waves to the crowd.

BANANA-DRAMA

Man, you should have been there. This is too bad.

MR. JACK DAWSON(V.O.)

She will be there.
Melody and Banana-Drama turn and see Mr. Jack Dawson.

BANANA-DRAMA

Yo man, You gave us a scare turning up from no where.

MR. JACK DAWSON

There is not a moment to be lost. (he holds up the vial. It has FAIR IS FOWL written on it and below in tiny letters COUGH SYRUP)
(MORE)
This is the magic potion which will make Melody sing again. Quick, Melody, gulp it down and then we have to fly to the hall.

BANANA-DRAMA

What about me , man.

MR. JACK DAWSON

You can take a cab. Now hurry, we have no time to waste on foolish chatter. (Here Banana-Drama gives him a glare) Come on Melody, drink up.

He hands Melody the vial and she gulps it down.

MR. JACK DAWSON (CONT’D)

Let’s be off. We have no time to waste. The concert has already started.

INT. – MUSIC-HALL – NIGHT
All the animals are seated and there is huge commotion which slowly tones down as O-Zee Van Too Die Rich Two slithers on to the stage.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

The moment is here. The moment when the contest to choose the future court-singer of the LAND OF BIRDS held at the behest of and with the benevolent eye of our beloved royal highness (here she looks at King Tweety -Fruity who is busy with his sucker) KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET- TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN, popularly known as King Tweety-Fruity and his able minister Mr. Cranium. So without further delay let’s begin the show. Our first contestant is a well known group from Africa, the BOUNCING BABOONS with their lead singer Bongo. They are going to perform a hit single from their latest album called, (here she consults her paper) “ I am going Ape over you .” How appropriate.

The band starts performing.

EXT.- LAND OF BIRDS.-OVER THE CITY – NIGHT

We see Mr. Jack Dawson and Melody rushing towards the lights of the music hall. We zoom down to see Banana- Drama in a variety of situations trying to get to the venue. He is hailing a cab, not getting a response, he is sticking his thumb out for a lift, running, bumping into birds and beasts. Finally, a car screeches next to him. It is Sam Spread-Eagle.

SAM

What’s the rush?

BANANA-DRAMA

The rush. The concert has started and Melody’s rushing there to perform.

SAM

So why are you rushing like a monkey gone bananas.

BANANA-DRAMA

Because I want to see her perform and bring glory to Jungle-Land.

SAM

Whose Glory? I thought it was Melody to perform.

BANANA-DRAMA

There is so much confusion in your mind about everything, no wonder you can never do anything right.

SAM

I can do one thing right, I can give you a lift.

He opens the door and Banana-Drama gets in.

SAM (CONT’D)

And on the way you can explain to me whose Glory !

The car takes off with a screech.

BACK TO:
INT. – MUSIC-HALL-STAGE – NIGHT

The four bears are performing in a gruff voice. King Tweety-Fruity is yawning. He turns to Mr. Cranium.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

Listen, this is turning out to be a waste of time. Not a decent singer in this motley lot. There is no Melody, only rhythm. Where is Melody ?

MR.CRANIUM

I believe there is a singer named Melody but she is indisposed. Too much ice cream in Cuckoo’s party, it is rumored.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

I should have guessed CUCKOO would be behind it. As it is I got a call from the royal family in Britain, a Prince Charles, that Cuckoo has been trying to get in touch with them regarding employment. She wants to sing for them.

MR.CRANIUM (trying to mollify him)

She is an artiste, Sire. They will sing for their supper anywhere.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

Yes , but not at my expense. Where is she? Call her.
Mr. Cranium signals to a flamingo standing behind them.

MR.CRANIUM (to the flamingo)

Go and tell 0- Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two that his highness would be to like to have a word with Cuckoo as soon as possible.

The flamingo bows and goes away.

BACK TO THE STAGE

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

And now to perform for you is a group from Jungle-Land, the CAW-BAND.

All the animals from Jungle-Land clap enthusiastically. The CAW-BAND begins to perform. Their music is so atrocious that there is a stunned silence for a moment . Then a number of little birds fly off to the ceiling and some animals are seen stampeding to the exit. Even King Tweety-Fruity is galvanized. Utter chaos reigns but the CAW-BAND continue blithely unaware of the reaction around them. Mr. Cranium is staring stupefied with his beak/jaw hanging open.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

What, what is the meaning of this atrocious sound . Stop them immediately.

MR.CRANIUM

No, no sire. We can’t do that. If we you do that you will become very unpopular. Press from all over the world is here. (handing him a pair of cushions lying beside them) Here, use these to close your ears.

King Tweety – Fruity uses both the cushions to shut out the fearful din. Mercifully, the number comes to an end and O-Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two comes on stage.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH

That was quite an earful. Monsieur Bull- Brass beams. And now since we are going country wise, another singer from Jungle- Land, Melody Hatchery.

The animals from Jungle-Land look at each other and at Marge who can barely hold her tears back.

MARGE (whispers to herself)

My poor Melody.

EXT. – SKY-CLOSE TO THE VENUE – NIGHT

Melody and Mr. Jack Dawson are flying furiously, beads of sweat dropping from the brow.

BACK TO THE MUSIC HALL STAGE

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO

Melody Hatchery. This is the second call for Melody Hatchery.

There is a stir among the audience. Then Magpie, looks around and quickly flies to the stage.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)

Ah here is Melody Hatchery.

MAGPIE

Did you say Melody ? I heard Magpie. I am so sorry, what with seven kids and me a single mom.
(MORE)
They were making a fine old racket and I thought I heard you say Magpie when actually you were saying….

EXT. – MUSIC HALL – NIGHT
We see Melody and Mr. Jack Dawson pushing through the crowds and hurrying up the stairs of the music hall.

BACK TO THE STAGE.

O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (tapping her feet impatiently)

Yes, yes, my good woman, we understand. Now can you leave the stage and let us go on with our function.

MAGPIE

(giving a desperate look at the door)

Oh, there is no need to be so uppity, Mrs. O-Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two, we are all not married into the lap of luxury

The audience titters.

KIWI-MANAGER

(sitting in the audience leaning towards his friend, Mr. Gobble)

Several times, in fact. I should know. She does the shopping for all her jewels and baubles in my store.

MAGPIE

I am a single mom and its not easy, making ends meet, looking after seven kids

She spots Melody and Mr. Jack Dawson rushing in.

MAGPIE (CONT’D)

Anyway, here is your contestant. I must fly, my children are alone.

She flies off just as Melody stumbles on the stage, panting. The Jungle-Land animals give a rousing cheer that King Tweety-Fruity, who was nodding off, gets up with a start.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY What, what happened ?

MR.CRANIUM

Melody is here.

Melody stands on the stage.

O-Zee Van Too Die Rich Two hands her a mike and swishes off.

MELODY (singing)

Spirit of God in the clear running water Blowing to
greatness the trees on the hill
Spirit of God in the finger of morning
Fill the earth bring it to birth And blow where You will
Blow, blow, blow till I be But breath of the spirit blowing in me…
Down in the meadows the willows are moaning
Sheep in the pasture land cannot lie still
Spirit of God Creation is groaning…
Spirit of God, every man’s heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God man longs that You only.

The audience is entranced. The sound reaches Bat Van Friday as they travel overhead, Cuckoo-Cool and Stella as they make their way towards the hall. Cuckoo-Cool has changed into another gown. It reaches Banana-Drama and Mr. Sam Spread-Eagle as they race into the hall to hear the last part of the song. The song closes and the audience erupts in a frenzy of clapping and cheering. Even King Tweety-Fruity is happy and clapping. Marge is wearing a happy smile even as Monsieur Bull-Brass leans over to one of the birds sitting next to him ( a colorful macaw).

Whatever. The moment I saw the two of and the CAW-BAND I put two and two together and knew that the talented singer on stage is none other than my own daughter, Melody. (she opens out her arms to Melody) Come , my child. Come and hug your true and only Mom.

MELODY

(shouts) No,no, no. You are not my mother. You are mean and cruel. You left me. It was (pointing to Marge) She who looked after me and took care of me. She is my mother, not you.

Cuckoo looks discomfited. There is clapping from the balcony. It is King Tweety-Fruity.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

Well said Melody. So Cuckoo, no more court-singer means no more mansions, no more fancy furs, no more wines and delights you are always singing about. Melody is going to be the new court singer. She will be given citizenship of LAND OF BIRDS. Cuckoo, you may kindly vacate the mansion for Melody to move in right away.

MELODY

If you please, Sire, I was very happy to win the contest but I do not wish to stay here. I realize now I was happiest in Jungle-Land.

All the Jungle-Land animals smile.

BANANA-DRAMA (to SAM)

See what I told you. Everyone doesn’t want to leave their home.

MARGE

And there is school. I have been studying the system of education here and it is not the way we teach in Jungle-Land.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY (getting annoyed)

That is not possible. Once I have decided she is going to be the court-singer there is no way she is going to leave this place. And only her mother is allowed to stay with her, the rest have to go.

MARGE

But I have four other kids, I can’t leave them.

KING TWEETY-FRUITY

It is decided. The discussion is closed unless you want to be clapped in a dungeon.

MR.CRANIUM

Guards, escort Melody Hatchery to the private chambers where she will be held till the other members of her group leave the country.

The animals of Jungle-Land are nonplussed. Marge is frantically look around. Suddenly there is a loud screech. It is Bat Van Friday with Senor Julio atop.

SENOR JULIO

( holding out his curved stick as Bat Van swoops down)

Melody, hold on to this.
Melody jumps up and holds on to the stick. Bat Van Friday flies off with a screech while everyone looks stunned. Mr. Cranium is the first to recover.

MR.CRANIUM (to King Tweety Fruity who is expostulating and gesturing wildly)

Best to accept what has happened gracefully or you will look like a fool. (to the audience) Ha ha . Looks like the matter is no longer in our hands. Bon Voyage Melody. (looking at Cuckoo Cool) Cuckoo Cool will remain our court-singer.

Cuckoo Cool curtsies and a thought runs through her mind.

CUCKOO (V.O.)

Only till I get a better job. I hear there are some good opportunities in the U.S.

EXT – IN THE JUNGLE- NIGHT
All the animals are celebrating. There is bonfire and music playing which is being operated by Banana-Drama. Everyone is dancing.
Bat Van Friday and Ollie are sitting together deep in discussion.

OLLIE

So, you see my dear man, and you are their kind, you have been needlessly worried. You are neither a bird nor a beast but a mammal, the same way human beings are.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

It is a relief to know. But, now I feel I don’t belong anywhere. (looking at all the animals enjoying themselves) Neither with the birds nor with the beasts. And human beings are scared of me. They think I suck blood. Whereas I am a fruit-bat, I only eat fruits.

OLLIE (clicking his tongue sympathetically)

If I were you, my good man, I wouldn’t give a hoot. You can enjoy the facilities of all three clubs.
Bat Van Friday grins showing his teeth.

OLLIE (CONT’D)

And, maybe, a visit to the dentist would dispel your reputation as a blood-sucker.

They hear the tap- tap of a cane and look up. Senor Julio is looking at them and smiling.

SENOR JULIO

And what is the topic of discussion ?

BAT VAN FRIDAY

I know what I am. I am a human being. I am a guy.

OLLIE

No, no. You are from the species of mammal of which humans are a part.

BAT VAN FRIDAY

I don’t care, as long as I am not a vampire.

SENOR JULIO

You are a fruit bat, in any case. You only suck the juice of fruits. Well, I am glad that has been cleared up finally.

(MORE)

Now if only we could find a way for me to regain my sight then I would be able to see and hear Peek-A-Boo’s amazing tap dance.

We see Peek-A-Boo dancing.

OLLIE

Perhaps, I can help. Tell me, what were you doing when you lost your sight.

SENOR JULIO

I remember the day so well.
DISSOLVE TO:

FLASHBACK
Senor Julio is singing when a there is a short circuit and the mike in his hand becomes electrified. There is a flash and then black with Senor Julio shouting

SENOR JULIO (V.O.)
I can’t see.

DISSOLVE TO:
BACK TO PRESENT

OLLIE

I see. The electricity damaged one of the nerves in your brain. Again there is a simple solution to it.

Bat Van Friday and Senor Julio waited with bated breath.

OLLIE (CONT’D)

It is like this. You have been wearing these dark glasses for so long your eyes have forgotten to see. Your eye sight was probably restored in a couple of months but you chose to remain blind by wearing these thick glasses. It is rightly said there are none so blind as those who choose not to see.

SENOR JULIO (excited)

That’s right. I told Bat Van Friday the time we were flying over Land Of Birds that I can sense the light.

OLLIE

Do not see the world through dark glasses or even rosy spectacles. And you will see light.

SENOR JULIO

Thank you, thank you, Professor Martin O, (he hesitates)

OLLIE

Never mind. Just call me Ollie.

There is a clapping sound and they look up. It is Banana- Drama.

BANANA-DRAMA

Attention folks. On everyone’s request Melody is going to give us a song.

Translation by Professor Ollie who is a language specialist by virtue of the fact that he can never stop himself from asking the question ‘To wit, who ?’

I hope you have been practicing the Woof language in your spare time , it is a simple language really, you can’t ever make grammatical errors or spelling mistakes when you speak or write this language; of course , written only by those with opposable thumbs though I often wonder why monkeys don’t write ! They, too have opposable thumbs.

Perhaps , you can ask your teacher and figure that out after you have found out the meaning of opposable thumbs which all humans and monkeys have . Then you may understand the reason why we dogs can only speak / bark and not write ! Or peel a banana . Our paws are just not cut out for it.

Actually monkeys can do a lot because of their opposable thumbs. Take a look at the video ! Woof woof woof ( translated – ha ha ha ) . The problem is they can never do anything creative just make mischief ! Take a look . From the grandfather to the little baby !!! Check them out.

Like this:

The wily leopard and his three assistant hyenas try to cure the python and also try to use their talents to save their business.

Pomegranate fruits – Good for your health !

There was a python who just loved to eat and sleep. That is what he would do all day long. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Now if you do this all day long and then day after day , then you are going to fall very, very sick. And that is what happened to the silly python . He became very, very sick. His tummy started hurting. Ow ! Ow ! Ow ! He howled. Now, if he had hands he would have clutched his stomach and howled just like you do. But pythons don’t have hands. Just a long body. So, he took his long body and stretched it and decided to crawl to the doctor. As the python was crawling to the doctors’ clinic he felt very hot and tired. So, he decided to rest under a tree. It was a tree with very red fruits hanging from it.

The python was very sleepy. He opened his mouth to yawn. Just then, PLOP, one of the red fruits fell into his mouth. The python gulped down the fruit as was his habit and fell off to sleep. When the python got up he was feeling much better but then, he thought to himself that since I have come so far I might as well see the doctor and find out why my stomach aches all the time. So, he crawled to Dr. Leopards’ clinic and lay down in the waiting room along with the other animals who also had some problem or the other .

Dr. Leopard asked the python to come into his examination room and asked him to lie down. The python said, “I am already lying down since I cannot sit.” Dr. Leopard made a face as he did not like anyone to correct him and said , “Yes, yes, I meant , lie down on the couch so I can examine you . Tell me, what is your problem?”
The python said, “I had a stomach ache but now I am fine. The stomach ache is gone.”
Dr. Leopard was surprised to hear that the python was feeling better without taking any of his medicines which were quite expensive. So he asked the python, ” Tell me Mr. Python, what did you do after you had the stomach ache ?
The python said, “Don’t you want to know how and when I got the stomach ache so you can cure me ?”
The leopard looked very silly in front of his helpers so he he smiled with his very sharp teeth and said,” Yes, yes! Please tell me what you eat and what you did ?”
The python said, “Well, in the morning I swallowed my breakfast in one gulp and went to sleep. Then, at lunch, I swallowed my meal in one big gulp and went to sleep and then, at dinner …….”
The leopard said, “Wait, I am a doctor, I know what you did. You gulped down your dinner and went to sleep!”
All the doctors’ helpers clapped at the doctors intelligence.
The python said, “I have been doing this for many,many days ! But then, yesterday, I had a BIG stomach ache, not the usual small ones. Maybe, it was because I went to a party and gulped down everything .”
“Hmmmmmmmmmm” said Dr. Leopard,” I see the problem now. You don’t chew your food. You must chew your food before you eat it .”

The python was very surprised that the doctor did not know that pythons don’t have teeth. He thought to himself, ” I better get out of here and find some doctor who knows his job. This doctor has a fancy coat but he does not know what he is doing.”

The python said, ” Now, that I am much better, I think I will go home.” He tried to crawl out of the room but Dr.Leopard blocked his way and said, “Wait, wait. You didn’t tell me what happened after the stomach ache. How did you get well? ”

The python was trapped in the room with the doctor and his assistants so he decided to clear the mystery of his wellness. He said, “well, I crawled all the way to your clinic which is quite a distance away. On the way, I was feeling sleepy so I slept under a tree. It was a tree with red fruits. When I yawned one of the fruits fell in my mouth and I gulped it down and then fell asleep. When, I got up I was feeling much, much better.”

Dr. Leopard said, ” It seems to me you slept under an apple tree and that is why you are fine now!”

The python said, ” I am sure it was not an apple tree!”

Dr. Leopard said, ” How can you be so sure that it was not an apple tree. You did say the fruits were red !”

The python said , ” I know it was not an apple tree because we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away . But, as you can see, here I am with you and you are a doctor and you are not going away and you are not letting me go away too ! So, you see it was not an apple tree . ”

Dr. Leopard was stunned by this intelligent answer. He thought to himself, this python is very smart. Maybe, I can use him to get more patients.

TO BE CONTINUED ……….

ALL RIGHT, HERE’S THE NEXT PART OF THE STORY ….

😮 OMG ! CAN I JUST GO HOME ?

The doctor looked at the python and bared his very sharp, pointy teeth and said, “Well, Mr. Python, you seem to be very smart. I see that you don’t have a job as you told me yourself. So, why don’t you come and work for me ? I will pay you very well. “

The python was very surprised that the leopard was offering a job to him because as far as he knew the animals were afraid of him especially when he was hungry.

He asked Dr. Leopard, “ How will you pay me ? And in return what do you want me to do ? “

Dr. Leopard knew that if he told the python that he was planning to use him to get rid of the animals who refused to get cured by swallowing them he may not agree to work for him. That was his plan to solve his own problem and that of the python.

So he told the python, “ Mr. Python, you don’t have to do much work. You have to be as you were before. Just eat and sleep . The only difference is that you will eat what or who I tell you to eat and you have to do this in my clinic.”

The python thought to himself, “ This leopard is very clever but also very wicked. It’s not good to be with wicked people. So let me try to find a way so that this leopard does not kill off his patients he cannot cure. And there are too many of them. Even I will not be able to swallow so many of them because I only swallow when I am hungry not just for fun ! “

The python looked at Dr. Leopard looking eagerly at him as a solution to his problem of not being able to cure his patients and said , “ Dr. Leopard, why don’t you try some other way to help your patients ?”

Dr. Leopard said, “ Mr. Python, I know there are many other ways but this one is quick and foolproof.”

Actually Dr. Leopard did not know of any other way but he did not want to admit this in front of his assistants who thought Dr. Leopard was the cat’s whiskers. Also his assistants were a couple of hyenas who lived off the leftovers which the doctor could not finish.

Mr. Python said, “ Maybe your way is the quickest and foolproof and with no danger of being sued because there is no one to sue you or no evidence but sooner or later the animals of the jungle will realize what is going on and will stop coming to you. Then what will happen to your practice ? “

The assistant hyenas gasped at this possibility because they lived on the slim pickings left by the leopard and they were already very thin. Dr. Leopard also did not want to lose his very lucrative business ( which means a kind of work in which you make a lot of money ) so he asked Mr. Python, “ All right, what is your idea so that I can cure the patients who come to me ? “

Mr. Python said, “ It’s very simple Mr. Leopard.”

ALL RIGHT , LET ME KNOW WHAT WAS MR. PYTHON’S SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THE BEST ONE WILL GET TO GO ON A TRIP TO HAWAII PAID FOR BY THEMSELF. IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD HAVE GONE MYSELF NOT SIT HERE WRITING THESE STORIES IN DULLSVILLE.” I WOULD WRITE THEM IN HAWAII .

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE ; THEY WERE GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, JUST LIKE THE POMEGRANATE ! THIS IS MY VERSION.

AND THERE IS A BONUS STORY , LUCKY YOU ! THE STORY IS CALLED ‘THE PYTHON AND THE POMEGRANATE TREE’ and is somewhere on this website. Oh wait, here is the link

” The solution is that you and your assistants get together and buy a huge farm where you grow many healthy herbs and fruit trees like the pomegranate. You encourage your patients to eat the healthy foods and exercise so that they do not fall ill again. Pomegranate juice is especially good for health so grow a lot of pomegranate trees ”

Pomegranate tree

Dr. Leopard said, ” But that does not solve my problem. If people get well how will I run my practice. I need people to be cured but not completely cured so that they keep coming back to me .”

The python said, ” That’s not a very nice thing for a doctor to wish for but you are a leopard and I guess you won’t change your spots. So I think then there is only one final solution to this problem. The leopard moved forward to the python eagerly. And that’s when the python wrapped himself lovingly around the python and squeezed him. That was the Final Solution.

This is the story of a python . The python was a very strange looking fellow. He loved to do strange things too . Every day he would swallow an animal and go to sleep. Now if you only eat and sleep 😴 and eat and sleep 😴 💤 you are going to fall sick. And that is why the python got very very sick 🤒. And his tummy hurt.

Now we all know that pythons do not have feet so he started to crawl to Dr. Cheetah’s clinic. He crawled and he crawled. It was very hot so he got very tired and lay down under the shade of a tree which had many red fruits hanging on its branches . One of the fruits fell on the python’s head. The python, as was his habit, gulped down the fruit in a jiffy.

After some time Mr. Python felt that he was feeling well. He also had no stomach ache. But by now he had crawled to Dr. Cheetah’s clinic.

Dr. Cheetah, who was always very troubled about his work asked Mr. Python, “Mr. Python, what is your problem ? ”

The python said , “I had a stomach ache but now I am all right . I was feeling very sick but now I am fine.”

Dr. Cheetah said, ” How come you are feeling fine. I have not given you my medicine ? ”

Mr. Python said, “I don’t know. I crawled all the way here. On the way I slept under a tree and when a fruit from the tree fell on me I eat it up. ”

Dr. Cheetah said, “What did the fruit look like ? ”

The python said, ” It was round and red. Inside the fruit there were many tiny red seeds. It was very sweet but it’s skin was very thick .

Dr. Cheetah said, ” It seems to me you eat a pomegranate. The pomegranate fruit is very good for your health. Besides this you came crawling all the way here which is good exercise . Exercise is very good for health . Now bear in mind, eat some fruits and vegetables and also exercise. All right then, give me my fees now. ”

The python said, ” Fees ? Why should I give you fees. I got well on my own.”

Dr. Cheetah thought to himself that if the animals of the jungle start getting well on their own just like this python then what will happen to me, how will I put food on my table ? ”

Dr. Cheetah quickly opened Mr. Python’s mouth and popped in a burger. As soon as the burger went into the python’s stomach it started aching . He started crying loudly, ” Help me, save me ! It feels like a hundred rats are jumping inside and biting my stomach. He started to cry, “Ow !Ow !Ow !”

Then Dr. Cheetah said, “Should I give you some medicine ? ”

Mr. Python understood that Dr. Cheetah was being clever and only wanted to take his money.

Mr. Python said, ” No, I will crawl back home. On the way I will eat a pomegranate. I do not need your services. ”

The other animals who had come to get treated heard what Mr. Python said and were very happy. They thought to themselves , this is an excellent idea. If we can keep ourselves healthy then we don’t have to give Dr. Cheetah his very hefty fees. In a trice they got up and followed the python but kept their distance from him for they did not want to be swallowed by the python in case he got hungry.

When the animals reached the pomegranate tree they all started jumping up to pluck the pomegranate fruits and pop them in their mouths.

Pomegranate fruits – Good for your health !

The pomegranate tree had no fruits left. He thought to himself , ” Goodness gracious , one fruit tree and a hundred impatients! Now what will happen to me if I fall ill ? Boo boo ! ”

A butterfly 🦋 who was flitting by saw the pomegranate tree crying and said, ” Brother Pomegranate tree, don’t worry. The few flowers which are left on you will soon become fruits. That is our job. We will fly from the flowers of one tree to the flowers of another one so that we can help them to become fruits. ”

The pomegranate tree was very happy. He thought to himself, ” It’s quite all right if the animals plucked all my fruits and eat them up. Now they will be cured soon. And, I, too will be well for the person who helps another person stays always well for God helps him. Yes, but God punishes those who rob from other people for no reason at all. Just like that cheetah who is called cheetah for a reason . Now he will always be worried that now that the animals have cured themselves who will come to me for treatment and how will I put food on my table ”

That is why it is said , ” ‘ Cheetahs’ never prosper . ”

THIS STORY IS INSPIRED BY MY FATHER, COL. B. C. SHUKLA WHO GAVE UP ALL HIS FRUITS TO HELP THE ANIMALS OF JUNGLE LAND .

Here is a poem written for him ( on the left and a poem by him , ‘MARTYRDOM’ ( on the right )

It’s back to school for the kids and they have been hunting for bagpacks and pencil boxes. As for me I have been busy shepherding my pack in the right direction. After all, the flock has to be safe in the pen, safe from the wolves that skulk in the shadows waiting to prey on unsuspecting teenagers and kids.

Now you will ask who are these wolves and what do I have against them ? After all I am from the wolf family too. Then why the animosity towards them .

You have got the wrong end of the stick if you think I am talking about wolves from the animal kingdom. No siree bob, there is a twist in this tail. The wolves in question are the human wolves, far far more dangerous than the animal ones. And ever ready to prey on unsuspecting, innocent and fragile young lambs.

So now the question is how do I keep the children in my pack safe ? The answer is just by being there, Yes siree bob again. Just by being in their lives is a huge safety net for the children . Children with dogs and dogs with children go together like macaroni and cheese. One dog will do things which the combined force of parents,police force and the education system cannot do.

Just our presence will keep the child grounded, busy, responsible . Our positive energy will beat back the negative energy of human wolves. At the cost of repeating myself for the zillionth time – DOG spelt backwards is , you got it ! And once you get a dog for your kids God will forever hold them in the palm of his hands.

The last phrase is from a famous Irish blessing which goes something like this

” May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

So until we meet again on this website BOW WOW ! ( in this case it’s your turn to BOW to the WOW in us dogs 🐕 🐶! )

Like this:

CRAZY CUCKOO – Story , in the previous post and elsewhere on the blog .

This book, targeted for four- to seven-year-olds, is filled with a number of moral messages, including these:

It is not your skin color that counts, but your skills.

Never, ever give up.

Everyone has a unique talent that needs to be developed.

If you do not practice your gifted talent, you will lose it.

Selfish people end up very lonely.

An adopted mother who loves and cares for you is more important than the mother who gives birth to you and then abandons you.

A cage is a cage, even if it is a golden one. Fly free!

Interview of the author SHIPRA SHUKLA by Brian Feinblum of MEDIA CONNECT

1. Shipra, what inspired you to write Crazy Cuckoo?

God inspired me to write ‘Crazy Cuckoo.’ Having said that some characters that inhabit Jungle Land did pop out when I used to tell my children bedtime stories. There was a particularly naughty 🐒 who would take them in a rocket 🚀 to different planets. And some sketchy plot lines were told to sundry people over the years.

2. What happens in the story?

A cuckoo bird with stars in her eyes abandons her baby in a single mom crows’ nest. The crow mom wants her four crow children to become singing stars and hires a frog to teach them. Their caw- caw and the ribbid- ribbid drive the jungle folks nuts and they, in turn, drive them out of the jungle.. But mother crow is not one to give up. The crows do become singing stars but not in the way you would expect ! The prima donna cuckoo is in for a shock too !

3. What’s the book’s message and why is it so important that we teach this to young children?

The message is that it’s not your skin but your skill that is important. The mother crow and her children were able to drive away the pesky rats which plagued the town. For that service they became heroes for the town folks. Later their raucous voices were taped to drive away the pests from the fields.

Children should realize that everyone has a talent that is unique to them . An earthworm only twists and turns but he makes the soil fertile. A tree only stands in one place but who can deny the usefulness of a tree. So, everyone is special. If they don’t believe this, they are welcome to ask their parents!

4. One of the book’s themes centres on adoption. What do we want children to understand in regards to this topic?

A mother who loves you and takes care of you is far more important than one who merely gives birth to you and leaves you.

5. There is a mother-child relationship in the story that is very strong. What really bonds a child and the one who raises him or her?

Animals and children go together like macaroni and cheese.
Collected Tails of Jungle Land is a BIG book which has seven series, each with 14 books.
Melody is the first of these series and has seven English books to entertain children of all ages.
It is all about a Melody, a little cuckoo bird who is abandoned by her starry mother in the homely crows' nest. Melody desperately wants to sing but will the world hear her melodious voice in the midst of the cacophonous crows and their tutor, the bull frog .
There are a host of entertaining characters - Banana Drama, the DJ and remix artiste ; Peekaboo, the middle aged peacock who wears big boots to hide his ugly feet and loves Flo Jo, the fashionista deer fleet of foot who is clad in her trainer shoes so she can run away from the din of the rapper crows and the tuneless toad ; Señor Julio, the blind thrush who teaches Melody to sing and his carrier plane and Man Friday, , Bat Van Friday, the bat with a personality disorder ( he doesn't know if he is a bird or a beast ) and many, many more !